Queen to visit Lancashire

Her Majesty will go to Blackburn Cathedral for the first time to give out the coins to people aged 70 and over in recognition of their service to their community and church.

Buckingham Palace will invite 88 men and 88 women from the Diocese – in line with the Queen’s age this year – to receive the special coins in the ancient traditional ceremony.

The Dean of Blackburn, The Very Rev Christopher Armstrong, said they would be honoured to welcome the Queen to Lancashire’s Anglican cathedral.

He said: “I am delighted that the Cathedral has been asked to host The Queen for the Maundy Service this year.

“This is a huge privilege as well as a great responsibility on behalf of the bishop, the Diocese and the County of Lancashire.

“I am confident that the Cathedral will conduct the event to the glory of God and to its usual standard of excellence and generosity.

“Maundy Thursday is an important part of any Christian’s preparation for Easter and I am aware that The Queen conducts her Maundy responsibilities with great devotion.

“I am sure that the visit will be a wonderful experience for all involved.”

Lancashire’s Anglican Bishop, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, who was appointed in October last year, added: “It will be wonderful in my first year in the diocese to be able to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to the Cathedral.

“Normally people visit Her Majesty to receive honours, so it is symbolic that this is the only occasion that The Queen travels to make an award.

“Her gift of Maundy money to pensioners in the County in recognition of their service of others over the years takes place in a special service, on a day when Christians recall the servant ministry of Jesus as He washed the feet of His disciples, emphasising the importance of service and humility. I hope we all count this occasion to be an honour and privilege for Blackburn and for Lancashire.”

Her Majesty’s visit to the County for The Royal Maundy was also welcomed today by The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, the Lord Shuttleworth KCVO, who is The Queen’s personal representative in the County.

He said: “There can be no more prestigious Royal Visit than that of Her Majesty The Queen on Maundy Thursday - what a delight for us all that it will be to Lancashire for the Maundy Service in Blackburn Cathedral. The people of Lancashire will give HM a marvellous welcome on this unique occasion.”

Recipients of the Maundy money at the all-ticket event will be announced later.