Local people in Gloucester were thrilled to greet the Queen and Prince Philip for the traditional Maundy money ceremony. About 1,600 people turned out to see the royals present local people with purses of silver coins.
The symbolic gift-giving, in which the Queen acknowledges members of the public who have made noteworthy contributions to the community, is an annual event. Recipients are all pensioners specially chosen by local clergymen.
Now the only silver coinage to be produced by the royal mint, Maundy money consists of one, two, three and four penny pieces. The amount given to each person traditionally equals the age of the reigning monarch – this year 77. In total 154 people (77 men and 77 women) received the special coins.
It is the first time in 30 years the Maundy ceremony has come to Gloucester, and the Queen took time to meet the families of Territorial Army personnel serving in Iraq. "She's got a lovely voice and she looks nice in her outfit," said 70-year-old Catherine Hart whose son Patrick is currently in Kuwait. "She seemed interested, and asked how he is doing out there. I have always admired her. She does a lot of good work. She's a credit to her family and her country."
Meanwhile the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, revived an equally ancient tradition. At one time it was customary for the monarch to wash a number of his subjects' feet to mark the beginning of Easter week. In 1667 the duty was passed to a religious leader, and this year Dr Williams reintroduced the ritual, washing and kissing the feet of 12 worshippers at Canterbury Cathedral.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
