Queen Camilla will step in for cancer-stricken King Charles in a big way, taking the helm for a significant occasion.
The Queen Consort will visit Worcester Cathedral’s Maundy Thursday services on March 28 and will deliver the traditional Maundy Gifts on the monarch’s behalf, the church said on Monday.
“We are SO excited to announce that we will be welcoming Her Majesty The Queen to the Cathedral on Maundy Thursday (28 March) as we host the Royal Maundy service,” the post stated, accompanied with a photo of the church and some of the presents, including a collection of coins that Camilla will deliver.
While Camilla has previously attended the event with her husband, this will be the first time in over 1400 years that the gifts will be distributed by a consort rather than the monarch.
The Maundy Service is held each year on the Thursday preceding Easter Sunday.
According to the Royal Family’s official website, the traditional service dates back to 600 AD, with the king delivering gifts to parishioners in the manner of Jesus washing the Apostles’ feet at the Last Supper.
In current times, the monarch distributes coins based on the amount of years they have lived.
Camilla will so present the coins to 75 men and 75 ladies in honor of Charles’ 75th birthday.
According to The Daily Mail, the pre-Easter service will be “the most significant royal event the King has been absent from to date.”