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King Charles, Queen Camilla attend centuries-old Maundy ceremony in Wales after protestors deface church
King Charles III and Queen Camilla upheld a centuries-old Maundy Thursday tradition in Wale. Take a look
King Charles III and Queen Camilla took part in the annual Royal Maundy Service in Wales on April 2, continuing a centuries-old royal tradition. Held on Maundy Thursday—the Thursday before Easter Sunday—the ceremony commemorates the Last Supper and honours elderly community members for their Christian service
Taking place at St Asaph Cathedral, the service, which dates back to the 13th century, saw the monarch distribute specially minted ‘Maundy money’ to members of the public in recognition of their contributions to their communities. This year, 77 men and 77 women were honoured, with the number reflecting the King’s age.
Recipients were presented with two purses: a white one containing silver coins totalling 77 pennies, and a red one featuring commemorative coins, including a £5 piece marking 100 years since the birth of the late Queen and a 50p coin celebrating the anniversary of The King’s Trust.
Ahead of the ceremony, graffiti reading “Not our King” was spotted near the cathedral and covered up. A small group of protesters had also gathered across the road, holding flags and banners calling for the end of the monarchy as the King and Queen arrived.
Despite this, the ceremony proceeded without disruption. Accompanied by Welsh music, the service marked only the second time in Wales’ 800-year history that the Maundy ceremony has been held in the country, drawing crowds to witness the royal visit.
