A Royal Occasion 

Durham Cathedral is honoured to host the Royal Maundy Service on Thursday, 17 April 2025, marking a historic occasion as His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen visit the city. This significant event, steeped in royal and religious tradition, will celebrate service and volunteering in communities across the region. 

The Royal Maundy Service takes place annually on the Thursday before Easter and reflects Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet. It is a time-honored tradition where the monarch distributes Maundy Money to individuals recognized for their exceptional Christian service and commitment to their communities. This year, 152 recipients—76 men and 76 women, matching the King's age—have been selected from the Diocese of Durham, the Province of York, Wales, and Scotland to receive this special honor.

 Among those participating in the service will be the Choristers of Durham Cathedral, who will provide the music for this deeply symbolic ceremony. They will be joined in attendance by the Heads of Durham School, along with the Headmistress of Chorister School Sally Harrod and Acting Principal Andrew Pearson. 

The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, expressed the cathedral's excitement, stating, "We are both honoured and delighted that The King and Queen are coming to Durham for this year's Royal Maundy Service. Maundy Thursday is about remembering the service and sacrifice of Jesus, and it will be so special to celebrate those who live out His example today." 

This will be the first time Durham Cathedral has hosted the Royal Maundy since 1967. The visit continues the tradition established by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who ensured that the Maundy money was distributed across the country rather than solely in London.

Each recipient will receive two leather purses—one red, containing a small gift for food and clothing, and one white, containing 76p in specially minted Maundy coins, representing the age of The King. While the coins are legal tender, they are typically treasured as a keepsake of this unique and historic event. 

With preparations already underway, Durham is eagerly anticipating this remarkable royal occasion, which will celebrate faith, service, and tradition at the heart of one of England's most iconic cathedrals.