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

 {Who is Queen Camilla’s Dresser?}

With King Charles stepping back from public duties and the Princess of Wales still recuperating from surgery, Queen Camilla is taking on more public engagements.

Truthfully, I miss the Princess of Wales’ fashion but Queen Camilla is developing her Queenly style now. She has gone from a frumpy country housewife, wearing jeans & baggy sweatshirts (not that there is anything wrong with that) to the Queen of Dazzle.

So, who is dressing the Queen? Jacqui Meakin is the Queen’s Dresser. She has worked for the royal family for many years and was a favorite of the Queen Mother. After the Queen Mother passed away in 2002, Jacqui worked for the late Queen Elizabeth II, and then started working for Camilla. She is a confidante to the Queen and is credited with helping Camilla find her style…coat dresses with elongated waists, fabulous hats, classic pumps, and Chanel handbags.  Dior has become the designer de jour for Camilla.

With her icy blonde hair, Camilla looks great in shades of blue--royal, navy, or light blues.  The Princess of Wales also likes to wear these shades of blue so Ms. Meakin ruffles feathers among other Palace servants by asking what other royals (even the senior royals) are planning to wear—and enforcing the royal rule that Camilla’s preference comes first.

These are just a few of my favorite blue outfits worn by Queen Camilla. 

Afternoon Tea at The Chattaway

Yesterday I enjoyed an Afternoon Tea with several friends at The Chattaway Tearoom in Saint Petersburg, Florida.  Of course, I had to get a photograph with King Charles III while patting him on the shoulder and wishing him well!

The Chattaway was established in 1951. It is a family-owned and operated business started by Jillian Frers, originally from England. 

This tearoom offers a full English experience with delicious sandwiches (we liked the cucumber and shrimp salad the most), delicious scones & crumpets, desserts, and unlimited hot tea.

Afternoon tea is served Wednesday-Sunday, 12:30-4:00pm. Reservations are required and they take cash  only.

When you enter the tearoom you can feel the British vibes…

Delicious tea foods are served…

I have visited many, many tearooms but this is the first one that offered crumpets—with Irish butter. I am a crumpets girl and these were delish!

The room is decorated from top to bottom with Wedgwood Blue Jasperware.

Of course, there are numerous pieces from English landmarks…

Numerous objects celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee—I would have loved to attend their Afternoon Tea on that date!

I am giving this tearoom four silver spoons. The only reason I didn’t give it five is because for four people, we felt like there should have been more tiered tea food trays. You are required to choose your sandwiches in advance (which is okay), but when the tray was delivered, everyone was unsure which sandwich they ordered. So, there was a bit of confusion. Otherwise, the food and tea was excellent!

The Chattaway Tearoom is located at 358 22nd Avenue, St. Petersburg, Florida. Call 727.823.1594 for reservations.