Royal Attendance at Maundy Service in Wales
King Charles III and Queen Camilla participated in the annual Maundy service held in north Wales, marking only the second occasion in the service's 800-year history that it has taken place in Wales.
The ceremony occurred at St Asaph Cathedral in Denbighshire and featured music composed and performed by Welsh artists.
The Maundy service is conducted annually on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the Last Supper and emphasizes the values of humility and service to others.
The Dean of St Asaph Cathedral, Nigel Williams, expressed the cathedral's honour in hosting the event, stating it was hoped to be a memorable experience for attendees.
"We are deeply honoured to host this service and hope it will be a memorable experience for those who attend," said Dean Nigel Williams.
The Royal Maundy service dates back to 1210 when King John held the first recorded ceremony. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, with the distribution of alms becoming a longstanding tradition.
During the event, King Charles III presented gifts to 77 men and 77 women from Wales and other dioceses across the United Kingdom. These recipients were recognised for their outstanding Christian service and contributions to their communities.
The previous Maundy Service held in Wales took place in 1982 at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire.
Grahame Davies, director of mission for the Church in Wales, highlighted the significance of the service being held in north Wales for the first time.
"It is hugely significant for the service to be held in north Wales for the first time," said Grahame Davies.
Local Church Leaders Reflect on the Occasion
The Bishop of St Asaph, Gregory Cameron, described the Royal Maundy as a deeply meaningful occasion and expressed pleasure in welcoming it to St Asaph.
He also admitted feeling nervous about leading the ancient service on Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the day of the Last Supper when Jesus washed his disciples' feet.
"The Royal Maundy is a deeply meaningful occasion which we are pleased to welcome to St Asaph," said Bishop Gregory Cameron.
"I am nervous about leading this ancient service on Maundy Thursday, which marks the day of the Last Supper when Jesus washed his disciples' feet," he added.
The Cross of Wales, a gift from King Charles III to the Christians of Wales, was used during the service. This cross also featured prominently during the King's 2023 coronation at Westminster Abbey.
Recipients of the Royal Maundy Gifts
Among those receiving gifts from the King were Susan and Roger Whitehouse from Tywyn, Gwynedd.
The couple expressed their surprise at being recognised together, noting they had never sought such recognition for their service.
"We were very surprised to be recognised together, having never sought recognition for our service," said Susan and Roger Whitehouse.
"We've simply tried to serve where needed. Our faith informs what we do and why we do it, and it has drawn us deeper into the life of the church while also helping us look outward to the wider community," they added.
Security and Preparations Ahead of the Service
Prior to the arrival of the King and Queen, graffiti reading "Not our King" was painted on a wall within the grounds of St Asaph Cathedral.
Workers wearing high-visibility jackets were observed removing the red-painted message.
