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The King and Queen Consort attend the Royal Maundy service at York Minster© Getty

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla make history ahead of Easter weekend

The King and Queen Consort stepped out ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend

Danielle Stacey
Online Royal CorrespondentLondon
April 6, 2023
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The King and Queen Consort made history on Thursday as they attended the first Royal Maundy service of their reign.

Charles, 74, and Camilla, 75, were greeted by cheers from the crowd as well as a group of noisy protestors as they arrived at York Minster.

The King distributed commemorative coins, known as Maundy money, to 74 men and 74 women who have made a difference to their communities.

Charles presented each recipient with a red and a white purse, stopping to chat with many. 

LISTEN: How King Charles broke royal protocol for Prince George

King Charles distributed the Maundy money for the first time as monarch© Getty
King Charles distributed the Maundy money for the first time as monarch

The white purse contained a set of specially-minted silver Maundy coins equivalent in value to the age of the King. The red purse contained two commemorative coins.

This year, one celebrates the King's forthcoming 75th birthday and the other commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation.

The King and Queen Consort spent 20 minutes speaking with members of the public during a lengthy walkabout after the service, which you can see in the clip below...

WATCH: The King and Queen Consort greet crowds in York after Royal Maundy service

It comes after the couple visited Malton in North Yorkshire on Wednesday.

Camilla looked elegant in a navy and white dress by Fiona Clare and a Philip Treacy hat for the service, and accessorised her ensemble with the Queen Mother's Rock Crystal brooch, pearl earrings and a Chanel handbag.

The Queen Consort greeting the crowds outside York Minster© Getty
The Queen Consort greeting the crowds outside York Minster

The royal couple were also presented with the traditional nosegay, a small flower bouquet, as they entered the cathedral.

Further details about the King's coronation on 6 May were released by Buckingham Palace earlier this week, with a new portrait of the couple taken in the blue drawing room, as well as a first look at the ceremony invitation and details about the Pages of Honour.

It was confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales's eldest child, Prince George, nine, will serve as one of his grandfather's Pages, while Camilla has chosen three of her grandsons, as well as family friends.

LISTEN:  Want to hear more about the royal family? Check out the best of 'A Right Royal Podcast' 

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