What ceremony is usually performed by the monarch on the Thursday before Easter Sunday?

The ceremony performed by the monarch on the Thursday before Easter Sunday is the Royal Maundy Service. This historic tradition involves the monarch distributing specially minted coins known as Maundy money to senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to the church and society. It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ and reflects themes of humility and service.

The event takes place at a different cathedral each year and has deep-rooted ties to Christian traditions, particularly emphasizing charity and compassion. During this service, the monarch also recites words from the Gospel of John, highlighting the act of washing the feet of the disciples, which represents servitude and care for others, a key aspect of Maundy Thursday.

Contextually, other options such as the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour, and the Queen's Speech do not take place in this timeframe or have different purposes. The State Opening of Parliament occurs in the spring or autumn to mark the beginning of a new parliamentary session. Trooping the Colour celebrates the official birthday of the monarch and happens in June. The Queen's Speech, which outlines the government’s legislative agenda, also occurs during the State Opening of Parliament. Hence, none of them are aligned with the specific ceremonies linked to Easter traditions like the