Queen Camilla arrived in a Bentley complete with police cavalcade as it made its way to the Cathedral as crowds cheered her arrival.

There were also a few shouts of "down with the crown" from an Abolish the Monarchy group which gathered among hundreds of other spectators.

Special Maundy Money was presented to 75 men and 75 women during the service - including 40 people from Worcestershire and Dudley diocese.

Yeomanry guards carry bowls containing red and white Maundy money purses, which Queen Camilla will distribute during the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral. (Image: PA)

A special audio message from King Charles III was broadcast at Worcester Cathedral which said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is, for me, a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today.

“The Maundy Service has a very special place in my heart.

“It has its origin in the life of Our Lord who knelt before his disciples and, to their great surprise, washed their travel-weary feet.

Red purses which contain a £5 coin which features the image of a Tudor dragon and King Charles III, and a 50p coin commemorating the RNLI, which Queen Camilla will distribute during the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral. (Image: PA)

“And, as we have just heard, in doing so he deliberately gave to them and to us all an example of how we should serve and care for each other.

“In this country we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare.

“But over and above these organisations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need.

Yeomanry guards carry bowls containing red and white Maundy money purses, which Queen Camilla will distribute during the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral. (Image: PA)

“The 150 men and women who have been chosen today to receive the Maundy money from my wife are wonderful examples of such kindness; of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities.

Queen Camilla walks with interim Dean of Worcester Cathedral, Reverend Canon Stephen Edwards at the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral (Image: PA)

“The act of worship, here in Worcester Cathedral, reminds me of the pledge I made at the beginning of the coronation service – to follow Christ’s example ‘not to be served but to serve’.

“That I have always tried to do and continue to do, with my whole heart.

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“It is my special prayer today that Our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities.

“May God bless you all this Easter.”

Outside the service, a sudden heavy downfall of rain did not put those gathered off as a sea of umbrellas could be seen.

King Charles III had been scheduled to appear at Worcester Cathedral but has stepped away from public-facing roles because of his cancer diagnosis.