King Charles and Queen Camilla defy tradition before major family reunion

The King and Queen chose to do something different for their yearly Royal Maundy service on Thursday as they made their way to St Asaph Cathedral.

Charles, who is 77, and Camilla, aged 78, visited Wales for the customary observance on the Thursday before Easter.

It marks the first occasion that the service has taken place in North Wales over its 800-year history, and only the second time ever in Wales.

In the service, the King distributed Maundy Money to residents. The number of recipients matches the ruler's age, so he presented tokens to 77 men and 77 women to honor their Christian services and contributions. Each person received two pouches – one red and one white.

Charles was unable to attend the 2024 service due to his cancer diagnosis, but made a return to the annual gathering last year. He is still receiving treatment.

They are getting ready for the Easter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor on Sunday, an event that will also see the King and Queen attending. 

A family gathering is planned, with the Prince and Princess of Wales anticipated to join, alongside other royal family members. 

This year, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will not be present.

The King and Queen attended the Thursday's Maundy service at St Asaph Cathedral, renowned as the smallest ancient cathedral in the UK.

The King conducted his inaugural Maundy service as a monarch at York Minster in 2023. 

He delivered a special Easter message last year, pondering the "paradox of human life" and humanity's capacity for both "great cruelty" and "great kindness," prior to the Maundy service at Durham Cathedral.