THE QUEEN is to visit Oxford on 28th March, to take part in an ancient ceremony at Christ Church Cathedral, where she will hand out money to pensioners in recognition of their work for the community and the church.
Usually Maundy money is given to pensioners from one diocese each year, but this year to celebrate her 60 years as monarch, the Queen will hand out money to people from all of of the UK’s 44 Christian dioceses.
87 women and 87 men, one for each of the Queen’s 87 years, will receive uniquely minted Maundy Money.
Held on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, the ceremony commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus is believed to have washed his disciples’ feet.
The word ‘Maundy’ comes from the command (mandatum) by Christ at the Last Supper, to love one another.
It is the first time that the monarch will come to Oxford for the service.
