King Charles III has appointed the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, as his next Lord High Almoner.
The role dates back more than 900 years and makes Bishop Graham responsible for the annual Royal Maundy Service, when the monarch gives specially-minted silver coins to selected older people in recognition of their Christian service to their churches and communities.
Bishop Graham said: “I feel very honoured that His Majesty the King has appointed me to the ancient role of Lord High Almoner. I understand that the Royal Maundy Service is deeply prayerful and sacramental in nature. I am looking forward to being with His Majesty at these services, as well as meeting the incredible recipients who have served Christ‘s Church over many decades through prayer, hospitality and care of their neighbours. My prayer is that we will each know afresh Jesus’ mandatum to ‘love one another as I have loved you.’”
The ancient ceremony is held on Maundy Thursday, just before Easter – the day Christians commemorate the Last Supper, when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples before sharing bread and wine with them.
Centuries ago monarchs washed the feet of people chosen to receive Maundy gifts of food and clothing – which were later replaced by money. The Lord High Almoner was responsible for washing the feet of Maundy recipients until 1737, and still wears a linen towel as part of his robes for the Royal Maundy Service.
Now specially-minted coins are given to a man and a woman for each year of the monarch’s age, so next Easter Bishop Graham will help arrange for The King to present Maundy Money to 76 men and 76 women.
The Royal Maundy service was traditionally held in Westminster Abbey but Queen Elizabeth II decided to take it to cathedrals across the country. She attended all but five services during her long reign including at least one at every cathedral in England. It was last held at Norwich Cathedral in 2015.
Bishop Graham adds the role of Lord High Almoner to his duties as Bishop of Norwich, taking over from the Bishop of Worcester, recently retired. This year’s service was in Worcester Cathedral, with Queen Camilla distributing the Maundy Money, due to King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
The next Royal Maundy Service will held on Thursday 17th April 2025.
Did you know…?
The word almoner comes from alms, meaning charity. The Royal Almonry is part of the Royal Household.
The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning commandment. After washing his disciples’ feet Jesus commanded them to ‘love one another as I have loved you.’
St Augustine, writing in 600AD, mentioned the Maundy tradition of giving alms to the poor taking place in England.
In the 13th century the Lord High Almoner’s duties included collecting leftovers from royal meals and distributing them daily to the poor.
The last Bishop of Norwich to be Lord High Almoner was Francis White, who was appointed by King Charles I in 1626.
Local children are chosen each year to take part in the service. The children and some of the officials carry small sweet-smelling bouquets, or nosegays, originally meant to disguise bad odours.
The Royal Maundy service also feature the Yeomen of the Guard and six ‘wandsmen’ to guide recipients to their places.
