Workers have been forced into a frantic clean-up operation to remove graffiti declaring 'Not Our King' from outside St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales, just hours before King Charles is scheduled to attend a historic Maundy Thursday service there. The red spray-painted message was discovered daubed on a wall outside the cathedral early this morning, prompting immediate efforts to scrub it away and cover it with tarpaulin before the royal arrival.
Historic Service Disrupted by Vandalism
Both King Charles and Queen Camilla are due to attend the Royal Maundy service at St Asaph Cathedral later today, marking only the second time this ancient ceremony has been held in Wales. The service commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and involves the monarch presenting gifts to 77 men and 77 women from Wales and other dioceses across the United Kingdom. These recipients are chosen for their outstanding Christian service and community contributions.
Urgent Clean-Up Operation
Before the royal couple's arrival, workers wearing high-visibility jackets were seen attempting to remove the red paint and covering the area with protective tarpaulin. The graffiti appeared on a wall directly outside the cathedral where the King will later join the Royal Maundy Party for photographs after the service concludes.
This year's service holds particular significance as it represents the first Royal Maundy ceremony held in Wales since 1982. The occasion will feature specially commissioned music by Welsh composers and musicians, creating a unique cultural celebration alongside the traditional religious observance.
Traditional Gifts and Ceremonial Elements
During the service, King Charles will present each recipient with two purses containing specially minted coins. The white purse includes silver Maundy coins totalling 77 pennies, matching the King's current age. The red purse contains a £5 coin commemorating 100 years since the late Queen Elizabeth II's birth and a 50p coin celebrating the 50th anniversary of The King's Trust charity.
The King will be traditionally assisted in distributing the Maundy Money by the Lord High Almoner, currently the Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham Usher. Another significant element of the service will be the use of the Processional Cross of Wales, a gift from King Charles to the Christians of Wales that contains a fragment of the True Cross and previously led the Coronation Procession in 2023.
Royal Meetings and Family Plans
The service will also mark King Charles' first meeting with The Most Reverend Cherry Vann, the Archbishop of Wales. Following the ceremony, Charles and Camilla will meet members of the cathedral community outside the West Door.
This Maundy Thursday service comes just days before the royal family's traditional Easter gatherings. On Sunday, the King, Queen, and other family members are expected to attend the Easter Matins church service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Among those anticipated to attend are the Prince and Princess of Wales, though Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie will miss the gathering this year with the King's agreement, having made alternative plans.
The Royal Maundy service tradition dates back to 1210 when King John first recorded the ceremony. Queen Elizabeth II expanded the practice by taking the service around the country rather than limiting it to London, visiting every cathedral in the UK during her reign to present Maundy Money to local people. King Charles' first Maundy Service as monarch took place at York Minster in 2023, continuing this centuries-old tradition of royal recognition and Christian service.
