Queen Elizabeth is known for her loyalty and commitment to causes most important to her, and she’s certainly not letting anything get in the way of that – even a global pandemic.
As the 93-year-old remains in lockdown in Windsor Castle with husband Prince Philip this Easter weekend, she’s of course had to accept that the age-old royal traditions linked to the religious occasion have taken a back seat for 2020.
But true to form, she’s managed to find a way to mark the occasion regardless – and make royal history in the process.
Every year, the Queen attends a service on the Thursday before Easter to hand out Maundy Coins to a select group of people over the age of 70 who have given back to their communities in various, inspiring ways.
The term ‘traditional’ isn’t used lightly – it dates back to 600AD, with 80 pence worth of Maundy Money given to 80 men and 80 women during the service.
Last year, the Queen was joined by granddaughter Princess Eugenie, who helped the Monarch deliver the coins.
And while a service of this kind is unable to go ahead in the current climate due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Queen has managed to find another way to mark the occasion for the special recipients.
Nothing will stop the Queen from getting things done.
(Getty)Instead of handing them out in person, the Queen delivered the coins to recipients with a special note this year, which included a rare personal message.
“I have great pleasure in sending you the Maundy Gift which, unfortunately, I am unable to distribute to you personally at the Royal Maundy Service,” she began.
The Monarch continued: “This ancient Christian ceremony, which reflects Jesus’s instruction to his Disciples to love one another, is a call to the service of others, something that has been at the centre of my life. I believe it is a call to service for all of us.
“It is one of my most rewarding duties as Sovereign to observe this highly significant ceremony at such an important point in the Christian calendar.
“I know that you, as a Recipient of this year’s Maundy Gift, will be as deeply disappointed as I am that it is not going ahead, while understanding the necessary decision in the current circumstances.”
The Queen reiterated that despite this, their contribution to the community had not gone unrecognised, and that the delivered Maundy gift was a token of her thanks.
“My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time. With my best wishes to you this Easter,” she finished.
Last year, the Queen wore bright buttercup yellow to the Maundy Thursday service.
(Getty)This won’t be the only thing the royals will have to forgo this Easter.
Royal watchers have grown accustomed to seeing the family attend an Easter Sunday service together, with last year’s taking place at Windsor Castle.
Understandably, this will not go ahead this year – but we’re confident that like the Queen, her regal family will find other special ways to mark the occasion.
We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled on social media for any updates.
WATCH: Watch young Queen Elizabeth’s first televised message:
