Queen Elizabeth II has been staying in Windsor Castle since last month. It was said that she went to the property ahead of the annual Easter service due to the COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom.
She is joined by Prince Philip as they both practice social isolation to decrease the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus. While the annual royal services during the Holy Week have been cancelled to prevent the further spread of the virus, it was said that the British Monarch went with another way to continue the tradition.
According to People, Queen Elizabeth II hands out "special-minted" coins to individuals with ages 70 and above, which is known as the Maundy Gift. It was said that she gives these out during that annual Royal Maundy Service held in St George's Chapel on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
But, due to the current crisis that the country is facing, the service was cancelled. Nevertheless, she reportedly went on to continue with the distribution of the Maundy Gifts despite the cancellation of the event.
As reported, she sent the gifts to the recipients, which also came with a letter. In it, Queen Elizabeth II noted that she knows how "disappointing" it is that the service would not push through. However, she explained that this does not mean that the recipients' "invaluable service" to the community would go unnoticed.
She also added that she wanted the recipients to still receive their gifts despite the "circumstance." She then deemed the "Christian tradition" as a "call of service" to others.
The Queen ended the letter with "thoughts and prayers" to the family of the recipients. It was also said that she wishes the best for everyone during this "difficult time."
In a similar report released by Yahoo! News, it was revealed that there are over 188 Maundy Gift recipients for this year. The number of the coins, as well as the receivers, are reportedly based on the age of Queen Elizabeth II.
Given that she is turning 94 this month, 94 coins are given to 188 individuals, 94 men and 94 women. The publication also revealed that the "special coins" are not in circulation. However, they have remained "legal tender."
While Queen Elizabeth II was able to pull through with the Royal Maundy Service, it was not stated how she intends to go with the Royal Easter Sunday church service. It is likely, however, that she and Prince Philip would celebrate it alone together as they are still in isolation due to the pandemic.
