Royal fans paid tribute to King Charles by ‘making time for everyone’ who attended Maundy Thursday service at York Minster’s Cathedral today.
The 74-year-old monarch took part in the ancient rites of becoming king for the first time this afternoon.
Charles presented 74 men and 74 women over the age of 70 with two bags – one red and one white – each containing specially minted silver coins worth £74.
Upon their arrival at the service, Charles and Camilla received a warm welcome from the locals and were presented with a small bouquet of flowers from Nosegi.
The king was depicted happily conversing with members of the crowd and taking a special interest in an admirer’s dog, who lightly licked his hand.
King Charles during a long walk after Maundy Thursday Mass today. The King laughed with a royal fan while her dog licked his hand
Inside the cathedral, he took his time to speak with every member of the audience who was honored at the service.
The specially minted coins are given to thank recipients for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference in the lives of people in their local communities.
As he was handing over their bags, the elegant king held each recipient’s hands for a few moments as they exchanged pleasantries.
After the engagement, the royal family uploaded snaps of the visit – much to the delight of fans across the internet.
“It really is the people’s,” exclaimed one user.
Another added: ‘The king held everyone’s hands and had a word for everyone. Well done, Your Majesty.
A third said: “He has time for everyone.”
To this sentiment, a fourth replied: “Very nice that His Majesty King Charles has taken the time to speak to everyone.”
On Instagram, the royal family shared snaps of the engagement with their 12.9 million followers this afternoon. Pictured: King Charles presents a recipient with her minted coin
Royal fans have dubbed Charles the ‘King of the People’ and have admired the way he took the time to speak to each recipient
A fifth commented, “His Majesty seems very happy to do the work he was born to do.”
The caption of the video read: “So great to be in York Your Honor today to serve the Royal Maundy!
“Following a tradition dating back hundreds of years, the King presented “Maundy Money” to 74 men and 74 women in recognition of their work for their church and community. Since the time of Henry IV, the number of benefactors has been determined by the age of the king.
During the service, the number waiting in the sunshine around the cathedral swelled into the thousands, and after the royal couple appeared, they spent 20 minutes in the sunlight talking to the crowd on a long tour.
Anthony Houghton-Brown of Tingewick, near Buckingham receiving Maundy Money from King Charles while serving the Royal Maundy at York Minster
Rev. Bob Sedgwick, 78, deacon in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, receiving Maundy Money from King Charles
Specially minted coins are given to thank recipients for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference in the lives of people in their local communities.
Admirers admired the elegant manner of King Charles during his first service on Maundy Thursday
With Camilla in a navy and white Fiona Claire dress and Philip Treacy hat, they were greeted by the Dean of York, the Reverend Dominic Barrington, and the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, at the Great West Doors of the Minster.
Earlier this week, King Charles confirmed his wife’s new title as Queen Camilla as his official coronation invitations were revealed.
Officials broke the news this week when they released a photo of the coronation invitation, which will be sent out this month, which reads: “Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.”
The coronation invitation, which will reach 2,000 guests, was designed by Andrew Jamison, a heraldry artist, calligrapher and manuscript illustrator with 40 years of experience.
It is the sister of the Art Workers’ Guild, a body of more than 400 artists, craftsmen, and architects who work to the highest standards of excellence in their professions. King is an honorary member.
A writer and illustrator for His Majesty’s Crown Office in London, where he produces royal patents and state documents, Mr Jamieson lit the Royal Letters Patent issued in 2011 to create Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Earl of Strathearn and Baron Carrickfergus when he married.
