Durham Cathedral’s Maundy Service is getting the royal treatment this year! The city’s iconic landmark has been selected as the venue for this year’s Royal Maundy Service on Thursday 17th April, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be in attendance.
Maundy Thursday takes place on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. The tradition of the Royal Maundy Service stems from medieval times, when monarchs would give gifts and wash the feet of the poor in homage to the Last Supper. Things have changed a little over the years, with the modern service consisting of presentations of “Maundy money” – red and white leather pouches of specially-minted coins to the sum of the age of the Sovereign in pence. Queen Elizabeth II started the tradition of touring the country’s churches and cathedrals for this ceremony during her reign, with the last Maundy Service hosted in Durham Cathedral taking place in 1967.
In 2025, 76 men and 76 women who serve and volunteer in their communities have been selected from across the country to gather in Durham Cathedral and attend this special service. Each will receive this monetary gift from King Charles III to thank them for their charitable work.
While only invitees will be able to attend the service within Durham Cathedral itself, members of the public are welcome to take part in the wider event to pay their respects to the King and Queen, and the recipients of this honour.
While His and Her Royal Majesties might not have time to swing by Walkergate for a bite to eat, visitors to this momentous occasion can find plenty of food options at Durham’s premier drinking and dining complex. Plus, with plenty of secure parking at Walkergate, you’re also just a short walk away from Durham Cathedral and the city centre.
