questiton to google AI: do they still issue the maundy money?
"Yes, the British monarch still issues Maundy money annually
on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter).
The tradition is currently carried out by King Charles III, who most recently distributed the coins on April 2, 2026, at St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales.
Current Distribution Details
Recipients: The money is given to a specific number of elderly men and women, with the total number of each matching the monarch's current age. In 2026, for example, 77 men and 77 women received the gifts.
The Gift: Each recipient receives two small leather purses:
White Purse: Contains specially minted silver Maundy coins in denominations of 1, 2, 3, and 4 pence. The total value in pence matches the monarch's age.
Red Purse: Contains "ordinary" coinage (currently a £5 and a 50p coin) which serves as a symbolic gift for food and clothing.
Significance: Though the coins are legal tender, they are highly prized as collector's items and are rarely spent.
Key Changes Under King Charles III
While the service has remained largely unchanged since 1670, King Charles III's reign introduced his official coinage portrait (designed by Martin Jennings) on the Maundy money for the first time in 2023. Previously, the coins had featured the same portrait of Queen Elizabeth II since her coronation in 1953.
Would you like to know which cathedral will host the ceremony next year?"
see: >>24457217