Queen hands out Maundy coins in Leicester

  • Published
The Queen distributes Maundy moneyImage source, The Royal Family
Image caption,

The Queen has distributed Maundy money to 91 men and 91 women

The Queen has handed out commemorative Maundy coins in a traditional service at Leicester Cathedral.

The monarch distributed money in recognition of services to the church and community to 91 men and 91 women - representing each of her 91 years.

Leicester is the final cathedral to host the annual service during the Queen's reign.

The Dean of Leicester, the Very Reverend David Monteith, said it was a "huge honour".

Live updates on the Queen distributing Maundy money in Leicester here

Media caption,

Queen set for Maundy Thursday service at Leicester Cathedral

He said: "Wherever the Queen goes it's a great day, but the fact that we complete the series of cathedrals that the Queen has visited over her reign on Maundy Thursday means we are the triumph of all that work and we couldn't be more pleased."

Hundreds of people lined the streets to welcome the Queen, who was accompanied by Duke of Edinburgh, for the service which dates back to the 13th Century.

Image source, PA
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Many people lined the streets to welcome the Royal Party

Image source, PA
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People gathered outside Leicester Cathedral to watch the service

The Queen handed out two purses, one white and one red, to each person.

The red purse contains a £5 coin, commemorating the centenary of the House of Windsor and a 50p coin commemorating Sir Isaac Newton.

The white purse contains uniquely minted Maundy coins, equating in pence to the Queen's age.

Royal Maundy

  • Royal Maundy is a religious service in the Church of England held on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday

  • The ancient ceremony has its origin in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples the day before Good Friday

  • Historically it involved gifts of food and clothing and washing the feet of the poor

  • The royal family has taken part in Maundy ceremonies since the 13th Century

Source: The Royal Mint

Image source, Getty Images
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Coins, including three-pence and four-pence pieces, were given out

Image source, PA
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Queen Elizabeth II arrived at Leicester Cathedral at about 11:00 BST

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