The Queen to visit Blackburn in April

Every year the monarch visits a UK cathedral or abbey to give out Maundy coins to people aged 70 and over in recognition of their service to their community and church.

This year’s visit, on Thursday, April 17th, will be the first time the Queen has visited Blackburn Cathedral, which is Lancashire’s Anglican Cathedral. She will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Buckingham Palace will invite 88 men and 88 women from the diocese (in line with the Queen’s age this year) to receive the special coins.

The Dean of Blackburn, the Very Rev. Christopher Armstrong, is pleased to be welcoming Her Majesty for the ancient ceremony and said: “This is a huge privilege as well as a great responsibility. I am sure the visit will be a wonderful experience for all involved.”

Lancashire’s new Bishop, the Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, who was appointed in October, added: “It will be wonderful in my first year in the diocese to be able to welcome Her Majesty to the cathedral.

“Normally people visit Her Majesty to receive honours, so it is symbolic this is the only occasion the Queen travels to make an award.”

The Queen’s visit was also welcomed by Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire Lord Shuttleworth, her representative in the county.

He said: “The people of Lancashire will give HM a marvellous welcome on this unique occasion.”

Lancashire recipients of The Royal Maundy and arrangements surrounding the event will all be announced in due course. The service itself will be ticketed and invitation-only.