During a recent visit to Wales, King Charles made a royal gesture that caught everyone’s attention. At the historic Royal Maundy service, for the first time held in north Wales, he gave away special gifts that could be worth a small fortune! In a touching ceremony at St Asaph Cathedral, 77 men and 77 women, all honoured for their exceptional service to their communities, received these unique treasures.
Each recipient was handed two leather purses – one white, one red. Inside the white purse were specially minted silver Maundy coins, totalling 77 pennies to match the King’s age. The red purse contained a £5 coin celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birth anniversary and a 50p coin marking the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust. These coins are regarded as priceless due to their rarity, with some similar sets valued at hundreds of pounds!
Among the recipients was Jean Carthy, 81, from Towyn. Initially sceptical, she thought her nomination letter was a scam. On the day, she described her experience as “so special” and highlighted King Charles’s personal thanks. Colin Pengelly, 77, from Castle Caereinion, shared his heartwarming exchange with the King, calling the day “humbling”.
The streets were lined with supporters waving Union and Welsh flags, though a group of protesters nearby held banners calling for transparency in the monarchy. Ahead of the royal couple’s arrival, graffiti stating “Not our King” was swiftly removed from the cathedral grounds, underscoring the varying sentiments towards the monarchy.
The bilingual service, rich in tradition, also featured a moving performance of ‘A Sacred Benediction’ by soprano Rebecca Evans. As Charles and Camilla departed, they were warmly greeted by enthusiastic schoolchildren with flowers in hand.
This memorable day not only celebrated those who’ve made a difference in their communities but also highlighted the continuing tradition of the Royal Maundy service that dates back to 1210, carrying the legacy of service and humility forward. 🌿👑