My cousin, Denny Nicol and I, checked into the Castle Hotel, Windsor on March 28, just two minutes from the Henry VIII gate, the entrance to the precincts of Windsor Castle, to meet the queen who was giving out Maundy money. There was a tremendous air of excitement in the town, with multitudes of tourists from all over the world jostling on the pavements, down by the Thames, and in the very many pubs and cafes. Clearly thoughts of the coming wedding were in the air.
In accordance with the monarch’s age this year, 92 men and 92 women received invitations to accept the Royal Maundy, and each was allowed to bring a companion. (I believe the Bishops and Archdeacons receive a quantity of nominations from across the diocese and they meet in October to pick four recipients out of a hat!)
On entering St George’s Chapel, we were warmly received by the Royal Almoner and seated in columns down the centre and at the side of the nave, so that the recipients each sat at the side of an aisle. We had time to take in the wondrous columns and vaults and windows of the chapel and to listen to the great organ played by Luke Bond of St. George’s Chapel and Martyn Noble of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal, besides gawping at the rest of the congregation. Denny and I were eight rows back and we could easily see a small wooden throne positioned beside the choir about twelve yards away. Though he featured in the order of service, the word was about that Prince Philip would not be attending.
10:30am. Address to the recipients by the Lord High Almoner explaining their role in the service.
10:40am. A slow tap, tap, tap on the stone floor came from beyond the North door as the Captain of the Yeoman of the Guard approached, beating a steady rhythm as twelve stout fellows in their splendid red tunics, pikes at the ready marched steadily to take up their places – six at either end of the nave.
10:45am. Next the Colleges of St George and Chapel Royal procession entered, headed by the Military Knights of Windsor, the Cross, Sacristan, a great number of men and boy choristers from both Chapels, the Succentor and Deans and Canons attached to Windsor.
10:50am. The Dean of Windsor moved via the north aisle to the North Door, whilst the Royal Almonry procession entered St. George’s Chapel from Dean’s Cloister and lined up in the North Aisle.
10:55am. All stood; at this point, Denny gasped “She’s tiny!” as we spotted Her Majesty’s royal blue hat framed in the Gothic arch of the North Door, way below the tall mitre of the Dean as he stood to greet her. Four children presented traditional nosegays and then, singing the hymn Praise to the Holiest in the Height the small Queen’s procession moved to their places in the nave (Psalm 138, We Sing the Praise of Him who Died, and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross were also sung during the service).
After the first lesson the distribution of the Maundy gifts commenced on the South side with all standing. We were required only to produce two hands to receive the two purses, one red, one white, and to nod and to say ‘Thank You Ma’am’ or attempt a slight curtsey. The Queen had a warm smile for each and every person, the Dean handing her the purses, every, say, five seconds, whilst collecting the next purses from the Canon, who collected them from large brass plates carried by the Yeoman behind them. After the second lesson came the second distribution during which the choir sang gloriously “Zadok the Priest”, finishing just as the Queen resumed her seat beside the Dean. At the end of the service as the processions were leaving the bells of the Curfew Tower were rung.
The congregation were than invited to leave the Chapel and to proceed up the hill to the Castle for a reception with refreshments. We were able to circulate and meet the other three from the Chichester diocese, men from Eastbourne and Shoreham and an elderly lady from Brighton, also the Governor of the Castle and his wife and the Military Knights of Windsor, whose staff had given us a great welcome.
It was a matchless and memorable day.
Photo: Kenneth Bird
………. any chance of a loan Frances? – From one of your poor friends in Rye Harbour.
Many congratulations to Francis Catt a deserved honour.
Thank you for writing about your day and the service it was most interesting .
And so pleased you were able to go with Denny Nicol to share the special day.
Another person who has done much for the community.
It brought back memories when I was a teenager of when my mother and I went around Bromley college , designed by Wren, for retired or widowed clergy. Where we met a lady who had been given Maunday Money and she showed us all.