Queen Sends out Special Silver Coins to Pensioners in Marking Maundy Thursday

Queen Elizabeth sent out silver coins, as part of the Maundy Thursday tradition, and wrote to her recipients: “I am sending you this Maundy gift to thank you for your Christian Service.”

Queen Elizabeth recently wrote to the recipients of silver coins this Maundy Thursday, as the usual royal service will not push through.

A LETTER FROM THE QUEEN

This year’s tradition was canceled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but her Majesty still sent out the silver coins to pensioners across the UK. The Queen wrote on Instagram:

“I know that you, as a Recipient of this year’s Maundy Gift, will be as deeply disappointed as I am that it is not going ahead, while understanding the necessary decision.”

The letter noted that the Queen would not be able to personally distribute the Maundy gift despite it being a traditional rewarding ceremony.

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE

Recipients of the silver coins are usually above the age of 70 and are nominated by their local dioceses to be recognized for their service.

Sadly, even the Queen will not be able to celebrate with his grandson and family as she observes self-isolation with Prince Philip at Windsor Castle.

“This ancient Christian ceremony, which reflects Jesus’s instruction to his disciples to love one another, is a call to the service of others, something that has been at the centre of my life,” the Queen added.

The Monarch further stated the importance of the ceremony in the Christian calendar, which happens every year, on the Thursday before Easter Sunday

The service began in 600AD and has been pretty much the same since 1670. The coins feature the portrait of the Queen.

SEVERAL CANCELED PLANS

Apart from the cancelation of the service, Prince William and Kate Middleton decided to cancel Prince Louis’ second birthday party, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Instead, the royal couple reportedly plans to have a smaller celebration in the garden of their home, where William can cook outdoors.

Included in their plans are games such as “football, chase, and hide and seek,” with family members, as well as a birthday cake for the young prince.

Sadly, even the Queen will not be able to celebrate with his grandson and family as she observes self-isolation with Prince Philip at Windsor Castle.