Queen brings Royal Maundy service back to Oxford
The Queen yesterday became the first monarch since Charles I in 1643 to hold the traditional Royal Maundy service in Oxford.
Joined by Prince Philip, she handed out purses containing silver coins to pensioners at Christ Church cathedral, together with a special 50p and £5 coin to mark the 60th anniversary of her coronation.
The Queen, wearing a matching blue coat and hat by designer Angela Kelly, flew to Oxford by helicopter and had lunch at Oriel College after the ceremony.
Charles moved his court to the city during the Civil War that ended in his execution in 1649.
The service, which dates from the 13th century, used to take place in London until the Queen decided it should go to a different place every year.
