A CELEBRATION has been held in honour of two people who are recipients of a gift from The Queen.

The party was held on Wednesday, April 27 in honour of Andover resident June Harris, 91, who had been chosen to receive the honour of a Royal ‘Maundy Money’ gift from Her Majesty the Queen, and which was presented to her by the Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.

The party was held at Chantry Lodge, where June lives independently, and allowed her the opportunity to celebrate alongside her friends and share stories about her experience; it also featured a special cake arranged by Lodge Manager Michael De Kock.

Also present at the celebration was Andover resident Derrick Norton, who is another recipient of the Royal Maundy, and local vicar Chris Brandish from St Mary’s Anglican Church, who was there to explain more about the Royal Maundy tradition.

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June had been nominated to receive the Maundy Money by the Bishop of Basingstoke, due to her long and devoted service to the Church in many roles, including her continuing role as Parish Secretary.

The Royal Maundy is a tradition involving the distribution of alms or special coins on the Thursday of Holy Week, which has been upheld by Kings and Queens of England since the 13th century.

The number of nominated recipients each year matches the age of the monarch; this year 96 men and 96 women, including Jean and Derrick, from all over the country were received gifts.

June attended a ceremony on Maundy Thursday with her friend Eileen to receive a special purse of minted coins from the Prince of Wales, after which they both attended a food and drinks reception in the Castle’s state apartments.

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Reflecting on her experience at Windsor Castle, June said: “We had a wonderful day, the sun was shining, and the Chapel of St George was filled with red and gold.

“The Prince of Wales stopped in front of each recipient, presented their red and white purses to them, and said very quietly, ‘From Her Majesty The Queen’.

“I was particularly impressed that he managed to make each recipient feel that the message was just for them.

“We had an enjoyable time, and everyone was most kind to us.

“It’s a day I will never forget!”

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