News / UK and world by Press Association April 18, 2019, 11:45 am Updated: April 18, 2019, 12:28 pm Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter Princess Eugenie has made a rare appearance at an official event with the Queen, joining her grandmother at the Maundy Thursday service. Eugenie returned to Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel, where she wed husband Jack Brooksbank last autumn, for the annual event where the Queen distributes money to community stalwarts. When the Queen arrived at the chapel’s north door with her granddaughter they were presented with traditional nosegays – which in ancient times warded off unpleasant smells – before taking their seats at the head of the congregation. The Queen wore a buttercup-coloured Stewart Pravin outfit, matching hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan and an Australian wattle brooch, while her daughter was dressed in a blue and white dress. Eugenie, 29, joined the Queen when her grandmother, … [Read more...] about Eugenie joins the Queen for Maundy Thursday service
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Why does The Queen give out money on Maundy Thursday and how does the holy day commemorate The Last Supper?
MAUNDY Thursday TODAY, it is a solemn celebration in the Christian calendar, remembering the Last Supper before Jesus was betrayed and crucified. One of the main events to mark the occasion in Britain is a church service where the Queen hands out Maundy money to pensioners. Here's what you need to know. Why does The Queen give out money on Maundy Thursday? The tradition of Royal Maundy dates back to the Middle Ages when kings began distributing food and clothes to the poor. Henry IV introduced the custom of giving out the same number of gifts as his age, which continues today. Monarchs also used to wash the feet of worshippers in Westminster Abbey to show their humility, but this custom had faded out by the 18th century. These days the sovereign hands out specially minted silver coins at the Royal Maundy service held each year at a different cathedral, abbey or royal chapel. This year (2019) the Queen will be at St George's in Winchester. Recipients are chosen for their … [Read more...] about Why does The Queen give out money on Maundy Thursday and how does the holy day commemorate The Last Supper?
The only person with her head on a stamp apart from the Queen
Liz Hancock was only 10 years old when her father, Bruce Besant, used her silhouette in place of the Queen’s for 16 commemorative stamps featuring buildings in Chipping Sodbury in South Gloucestershire. Around 100 were then cheekily put in the post by the jeweller for an April Fools' prank, with a handful getting through the postal system. It was all part of an innovative idea by Mr Besant to boost trade in his high street, but it eventually got him into trouble as police seized the stamps… although not all of them. Appearing on the BBC programme Antiques Roadshow this month, Mrs Hancock, 44, presented a sheet of the stamps along with an envelope with a stamp that had got through the system. “A local artist made the pictures, dad made the stamps, but then they needed the Queen’s head, which is highly illegal,” she said. “So with me being Elizabeth, I was the obvious choice. "He then posted them on April 1 knowing full well, tongue and cheek … [Read more...] about The only person with her head on a stamp apart from the Queen
Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker lands new role close to the Queen
Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker has taken on a more senior position in the Conservative party Whip’s office, which will involve regular interaction with the Queen. Mr Whittaker - who was elected as the MP for Calder Valley in 2010 - has been appointed Vice Chamberlain of Her Majesty's Household, after serving as an Assistant Whip since June 2017. The new role will involve writing to the Queen on a daily basis to her inform her of the goings-on in Parliament. He will also relay messages between the Commons and the Monarch and will catch up with her in person every couple of months. As a member of the royal household, the Tory MP will attend functions with the Queen and other members of the royal family, such as the annual garden party at Buckingham palace. Speaking in December last year, Mr Whittaker reflected on his experience in the Whip’s office during a dramatic period in British politics. He said: “What a time to be a Whip – one of the most historic times … [Read more...] about Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker lands new role close to the Queen
When is the Queen’s birthday and why does she celebrate it twice?
Queen Elizabeth is set to continue her reign as the longest-serving British monarch as she turns 93 this year. But unlike everyone else in Britain, the Queen marks her birthday on two different days. If you’re wondering why HRH marks the occasion twice, here’s everything you need to know about her upcoming celebrations. When is the Queen’s real birthday? The Queen will be celebrating the anniversary of the day she was born this weekend, on Sunday April 21. When is the Queen’s official birthday? She also has a second ‘official’ birthday on the second Saturday in June. This year it will fall on June 8. Why does she celebrate her birthday twice? It's all down to the British weather. The tradition for celebrating the King or Queen’s birthday twice was brought into practice by George II in 1748. The King, who was born in November, felt the weather would be too cold and wet at that time of year for his annual birthday … [Read more...] about When is the Queen’s birthday and why does she celebrate it twice?