CROWDS gathered in their hundreds to welcome Queen Camilla as she honoured lives of 'exemplary' service during a historic Royal visit to the city to mark Maundy Thursday.
Queen Camilla arrived at Worcester Cathedral in a Bentley to the peal of tower bells while crowds lined the streets of the city in their hundreds, cheering and waving Union flags to welcome her.
Some city children waited for hours in the wind and rain to give the Queen flowers they had picked from their garden specially for the occasion.
Accompanied by a police escort, the cavalcade rolled serenely towards the gates where the Queen was greeted by the Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant.
Loud shouts of 'down with the crown' from a minority of anti-monarchists must have reached the ears of the Queen, wearing an elegant ivory-coloured coat and hat.
Her Majesty showed no reaction as she was escorted by waiting dignitaries towards the service where those in attendance received a personal message, broadcast by King Charles III.
However, the majority in the crowd conducted themselves with a quiet dignity as they welcomed Her Majesty to Worcester and the Bishop of Worcester later commented on the 'warmth' she displayed towards those who received the Maundy Money as part of the ancient tradition.
The tradition of presenting alms on Maundy Thursday goes back to at least the 4th Century and in this country, the first record of the monarch doing it is in 1213.
HM The Queen is greeted by @BishopWorcester @WorcCathedral pic.twitter.com/s6HfVek2E4
— Diocese of Worcester (@CofEWorcester) March 28, 2024
Forty people from across Worcestershire and Dudley have received the gift from HM the Queen in recognition of their exemplary Christian service to church and community over many years.
The special service was held in Worcester Cathedral for the first time since 1980.
In total, 75 men and 75 women received money.
Four children of the Royal Almonry handed a posy to the Queen: Suzanna Hoskins, Lily Stephens, Henry Prior and Benjamin Shellard.
A special audio message from King Charles III, who could not attend in person because of his cancer diagnosis, was broadcast at the service.
He said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is, for me, a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today.
RECOMMENDED READING: Queen Camilla visits Worcester Cathedral for Maundy Thursday
RECOMMENDED READING: Maundy Thursday 2024: Worcester Cathedral service with Queen Camilla
“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.
“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."
Inside the red purses presented to the recipients were a £5 coin which features the image of a Tudor dragon and King Charles III, and a 50p coin commemorating the RNLI.
Bright sunshine turned to rain during the service itself but the skies cleared in time for Queen Camilla and the Bishop to greet recipients and well-wishers outside the Cathedral.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel