Queen wears Elizabeth II’s brooch as she steps in for King at Maundy service

The Queen wore a pair of brooches that belonged to Elizabeth II as she distributed Maundy money on behalf of the King, who expressed “great sadness that he could not attend the service.

The King, 75, was unable to join the congregation at Worcester Cathedral owing to his cancer diagnosis.

Instead, he recorded a audio message, in which he said the traditional Easter ceremony “has a very special place in my heart”.

In his absence, the Queen, 76, became the first consort to take on the monarch’s role of presenting ceremonial coins to retired local pensioners who have supported the church and their communities.

The Queen arrived at the cathedral shortly before 11am and was greeted by the Lord High Almoner John Inge, the Bishop of Worcester.

Wearing a cream cashmere coat by Fiona Clare, a brown Lock & Co hat and two matching sapphire and gold brooches that belonged to Elizabeth II, she smiled broadly and posed for photographs before heading inside.

The Queen’s oversized brown fluffy hat, featuring a vintage-style faux fur trim, is an old favourite that she has worn several times, occasionally embellishing it with feathers.

It appeared to be a version of the milliner’s £375 Estate hat, which is described as “the optimum hat for country pursuits and snowy occasions” and an excellent choice “for those searching for cosiness in the winter weather”.

Nearby, a large group of protesters from anti-monarchy group Republic shouted “down with the crown”.

The Christian service marks the night of the Last Supper when Jesus Christ washed the feet of his 12 disciples on the night before his death.

The King told the congregation that in doing so, the Lord “deliberately gave to them and to us all an example of how we should serve and care for each other”.

He added: “In this country, we are blessed by all the different services that exist for our welfare.

“But over and above these organisations and their selfless staff, we need and benefit greatly from those who extend the hand of friendship to us, especially in a time of need.”

The message was recorded at Buckingham Palace earlier this month, several weeks after the King revealed his own cancer diagnosis but before the Princess of Wales announced last week that she, too, was undergoing cancer treatment.

While the King did not specifically refer to their own experiences, the message is likely to be interpreted as an acknowledgement of the public’s outpouring of support in recent weeks.

The King also reaffirmed his own Coronation pledge “not to be served but to serve.”

He began the short Easter message with an expression of regret that he could not attend in person.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is, for me, a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today,” he said.

“The Maundy Service has a very special place in my heart.”

Last year, his first as monarch, the King followed in the footsteps of his late mother, Elizabeth II, by presenting pensioners with Maundy money at York Minster.

The ceremonial coins are given to a number of male and female recipients equivalent to the monarch’s age, delivered in two purses, one red and one white.

Retired pensioners who have supported the church and their local communities are recommended by clergy of all denominations to receive the gifts.

The King said: “The 150 men and women who have been chosen today to receive the Maundy money from my wife are wonderful examples of such kindness; of going way beyond the call of duty and of giving so much of their lives to the service of others in their communities.

“The act of worship, here in Worcester Cathedral, reminds me of the pledge I made at the beginning of the coronation service – to follow Christ’s example ‘not to be served but to serve’.

“That I have always tried to do and continue to do, with my whole heart.

“It is my special prayer today that Our Lord’s example of serving one another might continue to inspire us and to strengthen all our communities.

“May God bless you all this Easter.”