Queen Camilla Is About to Make History as She Steps in for Her Husband at Royal Service

According to the royal family’s website, the tradition dates back to 600 A.D. On the Thursday before Easter Sunday, the British monarch has been the one to distribute Maundy money (or ceremonial coins) to local pensioners in a service that “commemorates Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper.”

During the service, the Sovereign distributes gifts “according to the number of years they have lived.” Each person who receives the ceremonial coin will also be given two small leather purses by the king: one red and one white. “The coins are legal tender, but recipients normally prefer to retain them as a keepsake,” the website reveals.

Before Queen Camilla makes her historic debut at the Royal Maundy Service, she will take a short hiatus from royal duties. According to the queen’s work schedule (which was obtained by The Times earlier this month), it was revealed that the royal would not be participating in any public engagements until March 11. The reason? Many royal fans speculate that the queen wants to spend more time with her husband during his recovery. 

We’re already counting down the days to your Royal Maundy Service debut, Queen Camilla.