We marked a truly historic and joyous occasion with the visit of His Royal Highness King Charles III and Her Royal Highness Queen Camilla for the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral.
Royal Maundy: a centuries-old tradition
The service, held in the magnificent setting of one of Britain's most treasured cathedrals, was the first of its kind in Durham since 1967, making it an unforgettable day for the city and our University community.
His Majesty honoured 152 recipients, 76 men and 76 women, signifying his age (76 years old), by giving them specially minted Maundy money, thanking them for their exceptional service to their communities.
The service, rich with tradition, was accompanied by beautiful music from the choirs of Durham Cathedral and His Majesty's Chapel Royal, with performances by Cathedral organists and visiting musicians from London.
Afterwards, the King and Queen greeted crowds outside the Cathedral.
Our part in the day
We played a key role in the day's proceedings. Professor Karen O'Brien, our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, read from the Bible, from the Gospel of John.
Several University staff members joined the Procession to the service: the Vice-Chancellor; Professor Claire O'Malley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global); Dr Shaid Mahmood, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion); Lucian Hudson, Director of Advancement, Marketing and Communications; and Heads of College Nathan Sempala-Ntege and Professors Gillian Hampden-Thompson, Tim Luckhurst, Jolyon Mitchell, Tammi Walker, and Tom Mole.
Our royal connections
The visit reaffirmed our special relationship with the monarchy.
King Charles was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law by us in 1998 and last visited in 2018. His presence this week marked another chapter in this enduring bond.
Following the service, a University delegation attended a formal reception in the Deanery alongside civic leaders and Cathedral clergy.
The visit was hugely enjoyed by all involved in a lovely sunny day, and we are grateful to the King and Queen for visiting Durham once more.
