The King and Queen attended the Royal Maundy Service at St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales, continuing the centuries-old tradition of distributing specially minted Maundy Money to pensioners in recognition of their community service.

The April 2 service marked only the second Maundy Thursday celebration to be held in Wales in about 800 years, underscoring the ceremony’s significance in the region.

Charles presented Maundy gifts to 77 men and 77 women from Wales and other UK dioceses, with recipients receiving two purses containing Maundy Money, the number 77 aligning with the monarch’s age.

Buckingham Palace outlined the gift details and the number of recipients for the ceremony.

The service featured a bilingual English-Welsh order, with a specially composed anthem and attendance from both supporters and protesters outside, reflecting mixed public sentiment.

Music for the service was commissioned from Welsh composers, with the Yeomen of the Guard leading the procession and Welsh musicians contributing to the performance.

The Processional Cross of Wales, containing a fragment of the True Cross and a gift from Pope Francis, was used in the service.

Crowds gathered outside the cathedral to glimpse the royal couple and the Yeomen of the Guard as they arrived, with the cathedral providing a dramatic backdrop.

Camilla wore a Dior ensemble accented by a sapphire and diamond brooch from the late Queen, while schoolchildren greeted the royals with flowers.

Anti-monarchy graffiti reading 'Not our King' appeared on the cathedral walls ahead of the service, with rapid removal by local authorities.

Supporters with Union and Welsh flags lined the street, and protesters from Republic were present nearby, with graffiti opposition cleaned beforehand.

The St Asaph setting provided a striking backdrop for the ceremony, enhancing the ceremonial atmosphere.