We are delighted to share the exciting news that two of our Year 6 pupils, Nishq and Euan, have been invited to take part in the prestigious Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on Thursday, 17th April.

This year, His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla will visit Durham for the first time in their reign to attend the ancient and deeply symbolic Maundy Thursday service. The event, which dates back to medieval times, sees the monarch present specially-minted Maundy money to individuals in recognition of their service and dedication to their communities.

By ancient tradition, four children accompany the monarch as he walks around the cathedral distributing the Maundy Money. Each child carries a posy of flowers, known as nosegays, which originally served a practical purpose. In times past, the monarch would wash the feet of those receiving Maundy money as a re-enactment of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet on Maundy Thursday. The flowers would have helped cover any unpleasant odours from the feet being washed, linking this special part of the service back to medieval traditions.

Nishq and Euan will be among a select group of children supporting this historic service, which will be attended by 152 recipients, local dignitaries, representatives of the Diocese of Durham and Durham Cathedral, and civic guests. It promises to be a momentous occasion not only for them but also for our whole school community.

We look forward to hearing from Nishq and Euan about their experience of participating in this unique moment of national significance, especially within the awe-inspiring setting of Durham Cathedral - a place so closely tied to our city and our Foundation’s heritage.

We are incredibly proud of both students for representing our school at such a distinguished event.

Photo Credit Duncan Lomax.