King plans to ‘dial up’ engagements towards summer as Camilla steps in at Maundy service

Palace confirms Charles’ plans to increase his official engagements towards summer, while Camilla makes history in his absence at the Maundy service.

Queen Camilla holds a traditional Nosegay bouquet as she poses with Yeomen of the Guard and religious representatives during The Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral On March 28, 2024 in Worcester, England. Picture: Getty

The King plans to “dial up” his official engagements towards the summer and has already increased the number of people he can meet inside, a Buckingham Palace source said.

The Palace announced that on Sunday the King will join other members of the royal family for the traditional Easter Mattins service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Charles, who was recently diagnosed with a form of cancer, is expected to walk to the service.

The King was forced to stay away from the traditional Maundy Service on Thursday where the monarch traditionally gives Maundy money in a ceremony dating back to the 13th century.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are also away from public duties for the Easter break after Kate’s announcement that she had started a course of preventive chemotherapy following a cancer diagnosis.

The role fell to the Queen who became the first consort in history to perform the ceremony. In an audio message from the King, which was recorded at Buckingham Palace and played to the congregation at Worcester Cathedral, Charles spoke of his “great sadness” at not being able to attend.

Camilla hands out the Maundy Money, becoming the first consort in history to perform the ceremony. Picture: Getty

Camilla arrived amid a small but vocal protest from the anti-monarchy group Republic.

During the service Camilla, 76, gave the specially minted coins of Maundy Money in red and white bags to 75 men and 75 women, signifying the age of the monarch. They were chosen for their work for the community.

The King hailed them as “wonderful examples of such kindness; of going way beyond the call of duty”.

The Bishop of Worcester, the right rev John Inge, then gave a blessing to the King.

After the service, the Queen went to meet members of the public.

Camilla shake hands with well wishers as she departs The Royal Maundy Service in Worcester, England. Picture: Getty

Sheila Clark, 66, from Glasgow, gave Camilla a get-well card for the Princess of Wales.

The first record of royal distribution of Maundy money dates back to King John in Yorkshire in 1210.

The Times