King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at Durham Cathedral to begin Easter celebrations this year after the monarch shared his personal message.
Their Majesties were welcomed by the Dean of Durham Cathedral, The Reverend Philip Plyming, and the Lord High Almoner, Bishop Graham Usher.
Upon arrival inside the Cathedral, the royals received traditional nosegays - small flower bouquets - before joining the procession through the Nave as the service commenced.
During the service, The King presented 76 men and 76 women with two purses: one red and one white, containing Maundy Money.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at Durham Cathedral to begin Easter celebrations this year
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The white purse contains specially minted silver Maundy coins, while the Red Purse includes a £5 coin commemorating The Queen Mother and a 50p coin featuring WWII stories.
These Royal Maundy gifts recognise outstanding Christian service and contributions to local communities.
After the service concluded, Their Majesties joined the Royal Maundy Party for a photograph outside the North Door before visiting the Deanery to meet community members involved in the service.
The King and Queen also viewed a special exhibition of the Cathedral's Magna Cartas, which are on display for the first time in eight years and recognises the 800th anniversary of the 1225 issue in Durham's collection.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were welcomed by the Dean of Durham Cathedral
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Despite hundreds of royal fans waiting for hours to see the King and Queen, the anti-monarchy group, Republic, protested the event.
Speaking for Republic, Graham Smith said: "Republic is committed to ongoing protests at royal events. This is the third year we have been at the Maundy parade and we will be there every year from now on."
The royal appearance comes hour after King Charles released a Easter message from Buckingham Palace.
It reads: "One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness."
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The King added: "This paradox of human life runs through the Easter story and in the scenes that daily come before our eyes — at one moment, terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others.
"A few weeks ago, I met many such people at a reception in Buckingham Palace and felt a profound sense of admiration for their resilience, courage and compassion.
"On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon Him.
"His humble action was a token of His love that knew no bounds or boundaries and is central to Christian belief."
Hundreds of royal fans waiting for hours to see the King and Queen
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King Charles continued: "The love He showed when He walked the Earth reflected the Jewish ethic of caring for the stranger and those in need, a deep human instinct echoed in Islam and other religious traditions, and in the hearts of all who seek the good of others.
"The abiding message of Easter is that God so loved the world — the whole world — that He sent His son to live among us to show us how to love one another, and to lay down His own life for others in a love that proved stronger than death.
"There are three virtues that the world still needs — faith, hope and love. 'And the greatest of these is love'.
"It is with these timeless truths in my mind, and my heart, that I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Easter."
