King Charles and Queen Camilla: The Timeless Royal Maundy Tradition
In a heartwarming display of tradition and service, King Charles III and Queen Camilla graced the annual Royal Maundy Service on April 17, 2025, continuing a legacy that dates back centuries. This year’s ceremony, held at the stunning Durham Cathedral in England, not only reflected royal heritage but also emphasized the importance of community values and charitable contributions.
A Royal Commitment to Service
The Royal Maundy Service is a deeply-rooted Easter tradition, celebrating the pivotal moment of the Last Supper in Christian history. King Charles, at the age of 76, presented specially-minted Maundy coins to 76 deserving recipients—an act symbolizing his commitment to the Christian faith and community service.
It’s worth noting that he was unable to fulfill this duty last year due to undergoing cancer treatment. In a remarkable turn of events, Queen Camilla stepped in, making history as the first royal consort to lead the ceremony.
An Enriching Experience at Durham Cathedral
Upon their arrival at Durham Cathedral, which is known for its impressive Norman architecture and spiritual significance, the couple was warmly greeted with nosegays—small floral bouquets—before joining a solemn procession through the Nave. This year’s Royal Maundy Service, moving from location to location each year, has become a cherished occasion that highlights local communities.
The event culminated with the King presenting two distinguished purses to honored recipients: a white purse filled with commemorative Maundy coins and a red purse containing a £5 coin that celebrates the legacy of his late grandmother, the Queen Mother, replete with messages of World War II.
Queen Camilla and King Charles attend the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on April 17, 2025. (Photo: Anthony Devlin/Getty)
A Historical Tradition with Deep Roots
The practice of distributing Royal Maundy money can be traced back to 13th-century England, specifically to King John in 1210, who initiated the almsgiving tradition in North Yorkshire. Since the 15th century, the number of recipients has fascinatingly reflected the sovereign’s age. Such a rich history underlines the importance of service and charity during the Easter season.
Moreover, this ceremony is traditionally held on Maundy Thursday, reflecting the ethos of giving, love, and humility that characterized Jesus Christ’s last supper with his apostles.
King Charles attends the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on April 17, 2025. (Photo: Anthony Devlin/Getty)
Messages of Hope and Love
Earlier that day, King Charles delivered his annual Easter message, focusing on the importance of love and unity among all people, transcending boundaries of faith and culture. His heartfelt words—“There are three virtues that the world still needs — faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love”—resonated deeply in a world often divided along lines of difference.
This sentiment of connection was made all the more poignant as the royal couple had recently returned from a state visit to Italy, where King Charles met with Pope Francis, further emphasizing the significance of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Queen Camilla and King Charles attend the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on April 17, 2025. (Photo: Victoria Jones/Shutterstock)
Continuing the Easter Festivities
As the Easter celebrations unfurl, the couple will lead other members of the royal family in a holiday service at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle on April 20. The royal family tradition of gathering to honor this season of renewal and reflection exemplifies the enduring commitment to heritage, philanthropy, and community.
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