Here’s why King Charles III gives out money on Maundy Thursday

Virgin Radio

6 Apr 2023, 12:14

Why does King Charles II give out money on Maundy Thursday and what is it?

As King Charles III is fulfilling his royal duties for the first time as Monarch, his first Maundy Service as the King has arrived. 

During this Maundy Service the King will be seen distributing special ‘Maundy Money’ to local pensioners. 

But, do we all really know what the King and Queen Consort Camilla will be doing this Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday dates back to 600AD, the service commemorates Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper.

During this service, the Monarch will present giftee’s of Maundy money with two purses, one red and one white. 

The one white purse will contain money which is said to be equivalent in value to the age of the Monarch, this money will be specially minted silver ‘Maundy coins’. The second red bag will contain two commemorative coins symbolising the traditional gift of food and clothing. 

This year symbolic coins will have two significant anniversaries to commemorate. This is the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation. While also celebrating the 75th birthday of King Charles III. 

The Royal distribution of Maundy has been taking place for centuries and centuries, with the first record service taking place in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire by King John in 1210. 

Each year, Maundy Thursday falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. 

The late Queen Elizabeth II had begun a new tradition that the distribution of Maundy money happened as a different cathedral every year. Therefore, this year the special service will be held at York Minister Cathedral. 

The Monarch had begun this new tradition as she felt it was unfair that Maundy money would only be given out in London, and as a result, distributed Maundy money at every Anglican cathedral in England over the course of her historical reign.