As thousands gathered outside Worcester Cathedral ahead of Her Majesty's arrival - a few were lucky to spot the royal helicopter landing on a field on the outskirts of the city centre.

She was then whisked away to the Cathedral where a crowd of around a thousand cheered her arrival in a Bentley complete with police cavalcade.

In front of the awaiting press, The Queen was greeted by Bishop of Worcester John Inge.

After posing for pictures she was whisked away inside Worcester Cathedral ready for the start of the Maundy Thursday service.

Queen Camilla arrives for the Royal Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral. (Picture: PA) (Image: PA)

She will hand Maundy money to 75 men and 75 women - including 40 from Worcestershire and Dudley diocese.

King Charles III was due to lead the service but had been forced to step away from public-facing duties after his cancer diagnosis.

VISIT: Queen Camilla enters Worcester Cathedral (Image: Newsquest)

While there were hundreds of people flying the Union flag and cheering The Queen's arrival, there was also a protest by Abolish the Monarchy who were using megaphones and flying bright yellow flags.

Deansway and College Street will remain closed until 2pm today.

POSE: Bishop of Worcester John Inge, Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire and Queen Camilla (Image: Newsquest)

Though he was missing from today's service, The King did release a special Easter message which will be screened at Worcester Cathedral.

ARRIVAL: Queen Camilla (Image: PA)

He has recorded a Bible reading and is to stress the importance of acts of friendship “especially in a time of need” in a personal Easter message.

He will say how Jesus set an “example of how we should serve and care for each other”, and how as a nation “we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need”.