Maundy Thursday: What is it and how is it celebrated?

These are the Maundy coins, traditionally handed out to members of the public by the monarch on the last Thursday before Easter

Maundy Thursday is part of the Christian celebration of Easter and marks the night of the Last Supper as told in the Bible.

This year it will take place on 28 March.

But what is it and how is it celebrated?

What's the meaning of Maundy Thursday?

The word Maundy comes from the Latin, mandatum, or command, which refers to the instructions Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper.

At the Last Supper, Jesus commanded that people should love one another, and then washed the feet of his disciples as an act of kindness.

How is Maundy Thursday celebrated?

The Pope leads the Chrism Mass for Holy Thursday, during which the oils to be used in religious ceremonies throughout the coming year are blessed

In many countries the day is known as Holy Thursday and is a public holiday.

It is a key day in the Christian calendar and marks the end of Lent, a time for reflection for Christians that follows Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day.

Maundy Thursday is part of Holy Week and is always the last Thursday before Easter.

To celebrate Maundy Thursday, the Pope - who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church - traditionally washes and kisses the feet of 12 people - usually members of the church.

What happens on Maundy Thursday in the UK?

King Charles attended the Maundy service at York Minster in 2023

In the UK, Queen Elizabeth II used to take part in the Ceremony of the Royal Maundy and she marked this tradition for more than 70 years.

At the occasion, the monarch hands out special coins to members of the public. Each person receives two purses, one red and one white, and inside are the Maundy coins.

In 2022, the King - who was still Prince Charles at the time - carried out the traditional coin giving ceremony on the Queen's behalf. And in 2023, King Charles did it for the first time as the monarch with his wife, Queen Camilla.

The number of gifts he gives represents his age, so in 2023 he gave a Maundy gift to 74 men and 74 women.

King Charles recorded a message for the Maundy Thursday service in Worcester Cathedral

In 2024 the King isn't able to attend public events while he has treatment for cancer so he recorded a message that was played at the service at Worcester Cathedral.

Queen Camilla was instead at the service, where she handed out Maundy money.