King Charles and Queen Consort join first Easter coins ceremony of reign

King Charles has taken part in a centuries-old Easter tradition for the first time since becoming monarch.

He and the Queen Consort handed out specially minted coins at York Minster during a day of visits in the region.

The pouches contained a coin celebrating the King's upcoming 75th birthday, and one marking the 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation.

The tradition of kings and queens distributing gifts on Maundy Thursday dates back to AD600.

The King waved to crowds as he arrived at the medieval cathedral, while a smaller group of protesters holding up placards reading 'Not my King' jeered as the royal car passed.

The monarch and the Queen Consort were handed a traditional small bouquet of flowers as they entered the cathedral for a service marking the important Holy Week date, which commemorates Jesus washing his disciples' feet and the Last Supper.

The royal couple were also expected to formally open the Minster's new Refectory Restaurant as part of their visit, which is on the site of a former school that was forced to close in 2020 due to financial difficulties.

The Maundy Money ceremony takes place each year on the Thursday before Easter Sunday, with special coins given to one man and one woman chosen for each year the monarch has lived - 148 in this instance.

A white purse contained silver Maundy coins equivalent in value to the age of the King.

A red purse contained two commemorative coins, which symbolise the sovereign's historic gift of food and clothing.

The first recorded distribution of Maundy money took place at Knaresborough in North Yorkshire by King John in 1210.

Queen Elizabeth II decided the traditional ceremony should take place in a different Anglican cathedral each year, to ensure it was not always held in London.

The coin-giving ceremony has been held at York Minster on two previous occasions by the late Queen, on 5 April 2012 and 30 March 1972.

The archbishop said the monarch's visit was a "joy," especially given that the final choice of location for the Maundy service rests with the King.

"We weren't really expecting this, we were delighted because it's his choice where he comes," he said.