Buckingham palace highlights centuries-old ritual honouring Queen Elizabeth

Buckingham palace on behalf of King Charles shared a nostalgic glimpse into one of its most meaningful traditions.

Ahead of this year's Maundy Thursday celebrations, the official Instagram handle of the British Royal family posted throwback photos of the ceremony.

The first photo featured the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, highlighting the long-standing significance of the Royal Maundy service.

Other photos in the carousel showed King Charles and the late Queen at Royal Maundy service over the years.

Scheduled to take place at St Asaph Cathedral, the annual ceremony dates back to around 600 AD. 

Traditionally held on the Thursday before Easter, the ceremony sees the reigning monarch distribute especially minted Maundy coins to individuals recognized for their outstanding service to their communities.

In the caption, Buckingham palace stated, "Ahead of tomorrow’s Royal Maundy service at St Asaph Cathedral, take a look back at the centuries‑old tradition."

The caption continued, "Dating back to 600AD, every year on the Thursday before Easter, The Sovereign presents Maundy Money to people who’ve made an outstanding contribution to their communities."

"Early in her reign, Queen Elizabeth II chose to take the Maundy Service around the UK, visiting a different cathedral or abbey each year in recognition of local communities across the country," it concluded.