Queen to visit city for Maundy service

The Queen is set to visit Worcestershire to hand out ceremonial coins to 150 people as part of the annual royal Maundy service.

Her Majesty Queen Camilla will be distributing the gifts to 75 men and 75 women on behalf of the king, at Worcester Cathedral later.

The Maundy Thursday tradition dates back to the 4th Century at least, but it last took place in Worcester, external in 1980.

The coins are presented in recognition of people’s Christian service to the church and community.

The King has recorded a message that will be played during the service at the cathedral.

Recorded in mid-March, the message will include a Bible reading and a call that as a nation: "We need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need."

Lord High Almoner, Bishop of Worcester John Inge will accompany the Queen as she presents the gifts.

“It’s an occasion of great pomp and ceremony but at the same time, at its heart, lies the words with which the service begins, which I say – ‘A new commandment I give to you, love one another as I have loved you’,” he told BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester.

“It’s an act of service and the monarch comes here to honour those who have given years of Christian service to church and community."

Worcestershire County Council confirmed a number of road closures will be in place between 08:00 and 14:00 GMT.

The roads affected are:

Traffic will be diverted via the north-eastern side of the city centre by The Butts and City Walls Road.

Copenhagen Street Car Park will be closed and there will be no access to the NCP car park at Cathedral Square.

There will also be barriers placed along Deansway, which people can stand behind to watch the Queen arrive at and leave the cathedral.

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