Royal Maundy is a religious service in the Church of England held on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday. At the service, the British monarch or a royal official ceremonially distributes small silver coins known as "Maundy money" as symbolic alms to elderly recipients. The coins are technically legal tender, but typically do not circulate due to their silver content and numismatic value. A small sum of ordinary money is also given in lieu of gifts of clothing and food that the sovereign once bestowed on Maundy recipients.
A Royal Maundy ceremony in 1867
Jesus Washing Peter's Feet by Ford Madox Brown
A Royal Maundy ceremony in 1877
Queen Elizabeth II (centre, in blue) and Prince Philip hold nosegays as they leave Wakefield Cathedral after the 2005 Royal Maundy.
Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday, among other names, is the day during Holy Week that commemorates the Washing of the Feet (Maundy) and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the canonical gospels.
The Mystical Supper, Russian Orthodox icon, 1497
Maundy ceremony in a Church in Wales parish church during a Maundy Thursday service of worship
Altar and crucifix veiled in a Methodist church on Maundy Thursday in preparation for Good Friday.
Chrism Mass in the Lateran Basilica