Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall stepped in for the Queen at the traditional Royal Maundy Service today.
It was announced last Friday that the Queen would not be taking part in today's event, and the heir to the throne would fulfil the ancient duty of distributing Maundy money to community stalwarts.
When Charles and Camilla arrived at the chapel they were welcomed by the Dean of Windsor, the Right Reverend David Conner, who gave the address at Prince Philip ’s memorial service.
Camilla looked resplendent in a vibrant blue and white coat, which she paired with a blue hat.
Following tradition they were presented with nosegays – sweet smelling bouquets – which in centuries past were used to ward off unpleasant smells during the ceremony.
This year Charles distributed the Maundy coins to 96 men and 96 women – as the Queen will be 96 this year, celebrating her birthday on April 21.
Each recipient received two purses, one red and one white. The white purse is filled with uniquely minted Maundy money – silver 10p and 3p pieces – to the value of 96 pence.
In the red pouch is a £5 coin and a 50p coin portraying the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Both coins have been newly minted this year.
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The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony which originated in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples the day before Good Friday.
It is understood Her Majesty, who has been experiencing mobility issues, was unable to commit to the event and so her eldest son was asked to represent her.
The monarch attended the recent service commemorating the life of the Duke of Edinburgh and has been carrying out virtual events and her other duties as head of state.
On four occasions a member of the royal family has stood in for the Queen at the Royal Maundy service, the last time was in 1970 when the Queen Mother distributed the Maundy money on behalf of her daughter who was on tour in New Zealand.
For the past two years the service has not been held due to the pandemic and instead the Queen wrote to recipients of Maundy money, who received the coins in the post, to thank them for their community work which earned them their nominations.
Meanwhile, earlier today, it was revealed that the Queen is not expected to attend the Royal Family's annual Easter Sunday church service this weekend.
The royals, led by the Queen, usually attend the Easter Mattins Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor each year.
Today it was confirmed that members of the Royal Family would be at the service on Sunday as usual - but the monarch, who turns 96 next week, is not believed to be among them.
Her Majesty has been suffering from mobility problems in recent months and feels she can not commit to the service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor this weekend, royal sources have confirmed.
