Camilla Makes History As She Takes King Charles’s Place at Royal Maundy Service

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Queen Camilla made history by attending the Royal Maundy service solo this morning, on behalf of King Charles III, while the monarch continues his cancer treatment.

The queen consort arrived at Worcester Cathedral for the church service looking elegant in a cozy white coatdress, brown fur hat, beige suede boots, and black leather gloves. She accessorized with large diamond earrings and two gold brooches in the shape of blooming flowers, with sapphires at the middle.

The Royal Maundy, a tradition dating back to at least the 13th century, takes place each spring on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. During the service this morning, Camilla distributed “Maundy money” to a select group of Christian worshippers to thank them for their work within the church.

While Charles, as reigning king of England and the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, would normally lead the service, he was unable to do so today due to his illness. He did, however, send an audio message voicing his regret at missing the important event.

The message, which played during the service, started with a reading from the King James Bible, and was followed by a personal message from Charles.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is, for me, a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today,” he said. “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. In this country we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare. But over and above these organizations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need.”

The king is currently undergoing outpatient treatment for cancer, and has said he will return to his duties as soon as he is able. Harper’s Bazaar previously reported that Charles has been feeling “frustrated” by his condition, and anxious to get back on his feet to continue to do what he loves: work. Still, as he recovers, he and the family—including Princess Kate, who is also being treated for cancer—are set to have a “a smaller-scale” Easter, Bazaar learned.

Late in his audio message, Charles praised the honorees of the Maundy Money and spoke of his oath to serve the people for as long as he may live.

“The 150 men and women who have been chosen today to receive the Maundy Money from my wife are wonderful examples of such kindness; of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities,” he said. “This act of worship, here in Worcester Cathedral, reminds me of the pledge I made at the beginning of the Coronation Service - to follow Christ’s example ‘not to be served but to serve’. That I have always tried to do and continue to do, with my whole heart. It is my special prayer today that Our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities. May God bless you all this Easter.”

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