Queen in York hands out Diamond Jubilee Maundy money

THE Queen is handing out the traditional Royal Maundy money to pensioners from all over Britain at York Minster today to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

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The Royal Maundy service is at the Minster this year and, to celebrate her 60 years as Monarch, the Queen is handing over cash to people from 44 dioceses.

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Usually, the Maundy money is given to retired pensioners from one diocese each year.

But this year, 86 women and 86 men - one for each of the Queen’s 86 years - will receive the money in recognition of their services to the Church and their communities.

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Beatrice of York, will give each recipient two purses - one red and one white - in the centuries old tradition.

The red purse will contain a £5 coin commemorating The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and a newly minted 50p coin.

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The white purse will contain uniquely minted Maundy Money of silver one, two, three and four penny pieces, the sum of which equals the Queen’s age.

The royal party will arrive in York via the 12th century gateway, Micklegate Bar. After the Royal Maundy service they will attend a lunch at the Mansion House and visit the Yorkshire Museum.

The Royal Maundy ceremony traces its origins to the Last Supper when, as St John recorded, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples.