North Wales is set to host a moment of royal and spiritual significance as King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Royal Maundy Service at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday 2 April.

The occasion marks a historic first for the region — the first time in more than 800 years that the Royal Maundy service has been held in North Wales, and only the second time it has taken place anywhere in Wales.

The Royal Maundy dates back to the time of King John in the 13th century, when English monarchs would take part in a ceremony reflecting the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, washing the feet of the poor and giving gifts.

The name “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment”, referencing Christ’s instruction to love and serve one another.

Over time, the tradition evolved into the giving of specially minted coins — known as Maundy Money — to people recognised for their service to their communities. Today, the monarch presents these gifts each year on Maundy Thursday, continuing a centuries-old link between the Crown, the Church and public service.

This year’s service will see The King present Maundy gifts to 154 recipients — 77 men and 77 women — with many selected from across the Diocese of St Asaph for their outstanding contribution to community life.

The ceremony will also feature specially commissioned Welsh music and the use of the Cross of Wales, a deeply symbolic piece gifted by the King to the Christian community in Wales. The cross, which was carried during the Coronation at Westminster Abbey, contains a fragment believed to be from the True Cross, presented to the King by Pope Francis.

Each recipient will receive two purses — one containing silver Maundy coins totalling 77 pence, reflecting the King’s age, and another with commemorative coins marking the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth and the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust.

While the Maundy service itself is a rare visitor to the region, the Royal Family has long-standing ties to North Wales. The tradition of the Prince of Wales has historically been closely linked to the region, with King Charles III himself spending time in Wales during his investiture at Caernarfon Castle in 1969.

More recently, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales lived on Anglesey during his time as an RAF search and rescue pilot, further strengthening modern royal links with the area.

The decision to bring the Royal Maundy to St Asaph reflects not only the importance of the cathedral — one of the smallest ancient cathedrals in Britain — but also the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual heritage of North Wales.

For the local community, hosting such a historic and symbolic event is being seen as a moment of great pride. The Dean of St Asaph Cathedral, the Very Revd Nigel Williams, said it is a tremendous honour, with staff, volunteers and the congregation preparing to make the occasion memorable.

As North Wales prepares to welcome the King and Queen, the service will not only celebrate faith and service but also shine a national spotlight on the region — connecting centuries of royal tradition with the communities who continue to embody its values today.