Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip Attend The Royal Maundy Service

The traditional Royal Maundy Service took place at the Leicester Cathedral today, with the Queen presenting ‘Maundy Money’ to 91 men and 91 women from the local community in recognition of their contributions to community and church.

Queen Elizabeth, wearing a teal suit with felt trim and the Botswana Sorghum Brooch, was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh as she met with the clergy and this year’s recipients during the service. The couple were given Nosegays upon their arrival.

Inside the purses are coins minted specifically for the Royal Maundy and commemorative coins for the year: the white purse contains silver penny pieces that total the Queen’s years, the red purse a £5 coin commemorating the Centenary of the House of Windsor and a 50p commemorating Sir Isaac Newton.

The Maundy Service takes place on the Thursday before Easter each year, to commemorate the Last Supper. Monarchs prior to James II washed the poor’s feet at the service, however since then, they hand out silver coins instead. The service takes place at a different location each year. According to Buckingham Palace, the Queen has now attended the Royal Maundy Service in every Anglican Cathedral in England.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Maundy Service, The Duke of Edinburgh.

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