Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral. King Charles and Queen Camilla to honor volunteers. Tradition honors community service.
This service happens every year, always the Thursday before Easter. The King shows thanks to community volunteers, a tradition started way back in medieval times.
The Dean of Durham feels honored that the King and Queen will visit. Everyone at the cathedral will welcome them, glad to celebrate local volunteers.
Maundy Thursday recalls Jesus’ service, as He sacrificed Himself for others. The service honors those who follow Jesus’ example and remembers when He washed feet for his disciples before his death.
The King will give Maundy money away to 152 people, men and women, who gave outstanding Christian service to others. They improved lives in their communities and come from different areas: Durham, York, Wales, and Scotland.
Each person receives two small purses, one red and one white. One purse holds regular coins, representing food and clothing from the King. The other has Maundy coins, their value equaling the King’s age.
People usually keep these coins as special souvenirs, but they are legal tender. The King’s first service was in 2023, at York Minster. Queen Elizabeth II began a new tradition, taking the service outside London to give money to people everywhere, visiting various cathedrals for this.