The King and Queen will attend the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on April 17, continuing a royal tradition.
Durham Cathedral will host the service on April 17, the Thursday before Easter. The King will thank community volunteers. This service remembers Jesus washing feet, an old tradition from medieval times.
The King will give Maundy money to 152 people, 76 men and 76 women. This matches the King’s age, and he thanks them for Christian service. They help their communities a lot; these people come from Durham and other areas, as well as from Wales and Scotland.
The Dean of Durham is very happy and looks forward to welcoming the King and Queen. This celebrates local volunteering, as Maundy Thursday remembers Jesus’ service. They will celebrate people who follow Jesus’ example.
The King’s first service was in York. Queen Elizabeth II started traveling for this, as she wanted to give money outside London. She visited every cathedral, and the current King continues this tradition. Durham Cathedral last hosted in 1967.
The 152 people got invitations; Buckingham Palace sent them letters. Each can bring one guest. They are planning the royal visit, which will be in Durham this April. People can watch the King and Queen arrive, however, access around the city will be limited.