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.