Royal Maundy Service 2024

Royal Maundy is one of the most ancient ceremonies retained in the Church of England dating back to 600 A.D.  In the Middle Ages, English monarchs washed the feet of beggars in imitation of Jesus. Many denominations still observe the liturgical washing of the feet on Maundy Thursday.

 
The Royal Maundy Service was held today at Worcester Cathedral, Church of England, in Worcester, England. 

King Charles was unable to attend the service, due to his ongoing medical treatments; however, a recorded video message from His Majesty was played expressing the importance of the acts of friendship, especially “in the time of need.” Camilla stood in on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III and distributed small silver coins known as “Maundy money.”  Ceremonial coins were distributed to 75 men and 75 women—representative of the King’s age. The recipients are pensioners chosen from the Church of England dioceses across England.

 

Each recipient of Maundy money was given two small leather purses by Her Majesty, one red and one white. The first contained a small amount of ordinary coinage which symbolizes the Sovereign’s gift for food and clothing. The second purse contained Maundy coins up to the value of the Sovereign’s age.

Another tradition at the service is the fragrant nosegay carried by The Queen. Originally, they were used to disguise odors as the monarch washed churchgoers’ feet.

Looking back, the first public function of the Late Queen Elizabeth II after her accession was attending the Royal Maundy Services at Westminster Abbey, in London.

King Charles III’s Health

 

After learning of King Charles’ recent cancer diagnosis, people are understandably speculating about the royal family’s future.  Queen Camilla, Prince William, and Princess Anne have stepped up to fill in during the King’s absence.  However, what will happen if, rather than abdicating the throne entirely, King Charles becomes too unwell to serve?

Regency Acts are acts created by Parliament if a reigning monarch is incapacitated or unable to carry out their official duties. A regent is the person appointed if a monarch becomes permanently incapacitated.  The Regency Act of 1937 was brought in to establish guidelines if a monarch’s mental or physical illness should preclude them from ruling.  It introduced the office of Counsellor of State--a group who could temporarily step in should a sovereign become temporarily unwell.  The Counsellors of State are typically the Queen Consort and the next four people in the line of succession who are over the age of 21.  In this case it would be Queen Camilla, Prince William, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Andrew, and Princess Beatrice.  It’s very unlikely that Prince Harry or Prince Andrew would be considered. The Counsellors of State Act 2022 made Prince Edward and Princess Anne Counsellors of State as well.

Even though cancer is a serious diagnosis, I believe King Charles isn’t going anywhere! As much as I would love to see William become King, I wish a full recovery for the King!

“I now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.”

~King Charles III