Queen continues ‘Maundy Thursday’ tradition

In a long-standing tradition, Queen Elizabeth II will distribute “Maundy money” to deserving subjects during a Holy Week service.

She will give specially minted silver coins Thursday to recognize the work of elderly church and community volunteers at Derby Cathedral in central England.

The source of the coins, the honor of receiving them, and their silver probably make them more valuable than their face value: a few pennies.

Buckingham Palace says the tradition of the monarch handing out money to subjects dates to the 13th century. “Maundy” comes from the word “mandatum,” Christ’s commandment to love one another.

The tradition of royalty washing the feet of the poor ended in the 17th century, but the queen has given out “Maundy money” most years of her reign.