On Thursday 17th April 2025, Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Durham Cathedral for Royal Maundy Service. Royal Maundy takes place annually on the Thursday before Easter Sunday and allows the King to express his gratitude to those who serve their communities. 152 recipients were presented with specially minted Maundy money by the monarch.  

During the service, DCSF students Indrakshi and Euan attended as part of the Royal Almonry. They carried out the ancient tradition of holding posy flowers or nosegays whilst walking with the royals as the Maundy money was handed out. 

"This is a great honour that I have been given. In the future I will never forget that on Maundy Thursday I will be personally introduced to the King and Queen in front of my parents. It will be a remarkable day although I will of course be nervous." - Euan

Our Cathedral Choristers delighted visitors with their beautiful voices throughout the service. They showed incredible professionalism and dedication to the many rehearsals in the lead up to the service.  

Following the service, the children and DCSF staff were lucky enough to meet the royals as they exited the Cathedral. They kindly complimented the music provided by the Choristers. 

All at DCSF are so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this special occasion, and we thank all staff who supported the children on the day and in their preparations.  

A message from Miss. Helen Cook, Resident Tutor, and Mrs. Rachel Faulkner-Walford, Housemistress of Barrington House:  

As the Choristers started their day, the rain clouds dispersed and the sun was shining, reflecting our joyous anticipation of the Royal visit. There was a definite buzz in Barrington House at breakfast, as all of us were excited to take part in such a prestigious service.  

After a short rehearsal in the new song school, it was time to get cassocks on and take our place in the Cathedral Procession which was forming up in the Cloister. Behind the Durham Cathedral Choir were the Representatives of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation. I know from speaking to my colleagues they were equally as excited for the day! 

Walking into the Nave was just incredible, to see the Yeoman on guard and the Clergy stood by the font ready to greet the Royal Party. As the procession started to make its way down the aisle it was as if the entire congregation was holding their breath, waiting for the arrival of King Charles and Queen Camilla. We made it to the Quire and took our places wating with expectancy for the fanfare that signalled the service was about to begin. 

The music was a pleasure and delight to hear as every single Chorister gave it their all on this auspicious occasion. The resounding first bar of Zadock the Priest caused raised eyebrows and beaming smiles from clergy and congregation alike.  

We were proud to see Nishq and Euan take their roles as Almonry Children and follow the King as he distributed the Maundy Money to the honoured recipients in the congregation. 

Following the comprehensive dress rehearsal on the previous day, we all knew how the service would run and in the blink of an eye we were all signalled to stand proud and sing the National Anthem. 

We were lucky enough to line the Cloisters for the route that the King and Queen took to exit the Cathedral. Both commented to several of us how much they had enjoyed the music. 

Clemmie and Joshua then joined the selected adults at the reception afterwards where they were introduced to the King and Queen. 

We will all cherish our memories from today and the part we all played.