King Charles III has been busy fulfilling many of his duties for the first time as monarch, following the late Queen Elizabeth's sad passing in September last year when he stepped up to the throne.
The historical event at the 74-year-old's upcoming coronation has now seen invitations being sent out as King Charles and Queen Camilla will continue to carry out many of the traditional tasks of his role, including the first Maundy Service of the King’s reign.
The Maundy Service will see the King distribute special 'Maundy money' to local pensioners, with his late mother adopting a new tradition it is believed the new King will continue to carry on.
As Maundy Thursday is happening today, on April 6, exactly why will the soon-to-be-crowned King and Queen be doing this?
Here is everything you need to know.
Why does King Charles give out money on Maundy Thursday?
The tradition dates back to 600AD, with the service commemorating Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper.
During the service, the Monarch presents recipients of Maundy money with two purses, one red and one white.
The white purse contains specially minted silver ‘Maundy coins’, which are said to be equivalent in value to the age of the Monarch, while the red bag will contain two commemorative coins symbolising the traditional gift of food and clothing.
And this year according to reports in The Metro, the symbolic coins will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation, as well as the 75th birthday of King Charles himself.
The first recorded Royal distribution of Maundy money took place in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, and was given out by King John in 1210.
When and where does the Maundy Service take place?
Maundy Thursday occurs on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. This year, the service will be held at the famous York Minister Cathedral.
The late Queen Elizabeth II began a new tradition of distributing Maundy money at a different cathedral every year.
Previously only given out in London, the late head of state felt this was unfair and would subsequently distribute Maundy money at every Anglican cathedral in England over the course of her reign on the throne.
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