On Maundy Thursday, King Charles distributes small silver coins known as “Maundy money” as symbolic gifts to elderly recipients. The coins are legal tender in the UK, but rarely circulate as they are made of silver and have strong personal value for the recipients. A small sum of ordinary money is also given.
The name “Maundy” and the ceremony itself derive from an instruction, or mandatum, of Jesus Christ at the Last Supper that his followers should love one another. In the Middle Ages, English monarchs washed the feet of beggars in imitation of Jesus, and presented gifts and money to the poor. Over time, monarchs became rather lax about attending, and instead sent royal servants in their place. But in 1931 Princess Marie Louise attended the Maundy service, and afterwards suggested to her cousin, King George V, great-grandfather to the present king, that he should make the distributions in person. And that practice has continued. The custom of the monarch or his servants washing the feet of beggars, however, has not survived.
Today the King is in Durham Cathedral for the annual Maundy service, where he will present the Maundy recipients – 76 men and 76 women – with two purses: one red and one white, containing Maundy Money. This year, the Red Purse contains a £5 coin commemorating The Queen Mother, and a 50p coin which features stories of World War Two. Why 76? Because there are as many recipients of either gender as there are years in the sovereign’s age! The recipients are chosen for their outstanding Christian service and work in their local communities.
“On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon Him,” King Charles wrote in his Easter message. His humble action was a token of His love that knew no bounds or boundaries and is central to Christian belief.”
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Picture above: The historic first Maundy coins of King Charles III