Norfolk and Waveney Christians at Royal Maundy service

Each year, the monarch presents coins to pensioners on Maundy Thursday, in a tradition which dates back centuries.

Charles III, who is battling cancer, was unable to attend this year's service at Worcester Cathedral, where Maundy money was instead handed out by Queen Camilla.

Peggy Barnes, who was chosen to receive Maundy Money (Image: Supplied)

Among the recipients were Peggy Barnes, who has been a churchwarden at a rural  Norfolk church for 40 years, helping to clean and care for the building.

She said she was "pleased and honoured" to receive Maundy Money. 

David Knighton is a Trustee of Norfolk and Waveney Quakers, who also volunteers at Norwich Credit Union and manages the Quaker Homelessness Fund.

David Knighton, who was invited to the Maundy service (Image: Supplied)

He said: "I am pleased to represent Quakers at this traditional service and look forward to taking part in what will be a memorable occasion."

The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, said: “I am delighted that the contributions that Peggy has made to a rural Norfolk church, and David to the prophetic voice of the Quakers in Norfolk and Waveney, have been recognised."

The giving of Royal Maundy Money by the sovereign is a centuries-old tradition. The name “Maundy” and the ceremony itself derive from an instruction, or mandatum, of Jesus at the Last Supper that his followers should love one another.

The Queen at the Maundy service at Worcester Cathedral (Image: Press Association)

The Queen arrives for the service (Image: PA)

A purse with traditional Maundy coins (Image: PA)

Her Majesty The Queen distributed the Royal gifts on behalf of His Majesty The King at Worcester Cathedral.

In an audio message played at the cathedral, the King spoke of his "great sadness" at being unable to attend.

King Charles III, who is undergoing cancer treatment (Image: PA)

He said: "The 150 men and women who have been chosen today to receive the Maundy Money from my wife are wonderful examples of such kindness, of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities."

The Princess of Wales, who last week revealed she is undergoing chemotherapy after cancer was found in post-operative tests, is spending the Easter holiday with her husband Prince William and children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at Sandringham.