King Charles III and Queen Camilla marked a historic moment for the royal family by holding the annual Royal Maundy Service in north Wales, an uncommon location for the centuries-old tradition.
According to the BBC, the service took place on Thursday and marked only the second time in its more than 800-year history that the event has been held in Wales. The last time the Royal Maundy Service was hosted there was in 1982.
Royal Maundy Service Wales Marks Historic Return
The Royal Maundy Service dates back to 1210 during the reign of King John and commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. This year’s ceremony brought the long-standing tradition to north Wales for the first time.
Grahame Davies, director of mission for Church in Wales, emphasized the significance of the location. He said it was “hugely significant” for the service to be held in north Wales.
The Bishop of St. Asaph Cathedral also reflected on the moment, sharing that he felt “nervous” about leading what he described as the “ancient” service.
During the ceremony, Charles presented Royal Maundy gifts to 77 men and 77 women from Wales and dioceses across the United Kingdom. The number of recipients traditionally matches the monarch’s age.
Each recipient received two purses containing Maundy Money. According to the royal family’s official website, the coins are legal tender. The ordinary coins symbolize gifts of food and clothing, while the specially minted Maundy coins reflect the monarch’s age and are often kept as mementos.
King Charles & Queen Camilla Celebrate Welsh Traditions
The service also highlighted Welsh culture through specially commissioned music performed by Welsh composers and musicians.
A notable feature of the ceremony was the Cross of Wales, which led the procession. The cross was a gift from Charles to the Christians of Wales and was previously used during his coronation in May 2023 at Westminster Abbey.
The Cross of Wales contains a fragment believed to be part of the True Cross, a relic associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and gifted to the King by Pope Francis.
Nigel Williams, Dean of St. Asaph Cathedral, spoke about hosting the event, saying the cathedral community was “deeply honored” to welcome the King and Queen for the service.
After the ceremony concluded, Charles and Camilla joined the Royal Maundy Party for a traditional group photo outside the West Door. They also met with members of the cathedral community.
Wales Holds Deep Royal Family Significance
Wales continues to hold strong ties to the royal family, particularly through the titles Prince and Princess of Wales.
The titles are currently held by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, who became the Prince and Princess of Wales following Charles’ accession to the throne in September 2022.
The title of Prince of Wales holds historic significance as the designation for the male heir to the throne. Charles himself held the title for more than six decades before becoming King.
The title was also previously associated with Diana, Princess of Wales.
Since receiving their titles, William and Catherine have made several visits to Wales, continuing the royal family’s connection with the region.
