Graffiti reading ‘Not our King’ was sprayed on St Asaph Cathedral ahead of King Charles III’s Easter service, where he will distribute Maundy gifts.
ST ASAPH: Graffiti declaring “Not our King” was discovered at a cathedral in North Wales just hours before King Charles III was due to attend a historic Easter service.
The message was sprayed in red paint on a wall within the grounds of St Asaph Cathedral.
Workers in high-visibility jackets were seen attempting to remove the paint before the king’s arrival for the Royal Maundy service.
This year’s service marks only the second time the ceremony has been held in Wales in its history.
The king and queen are attending the service, where Charles will present gifts to 77 men and 77 women.
Recipients are chosen from Wales and other dioceses across the UK for outstanding Christian service and community help.
Charles will give each recipient two purses containing specially minted coins.
The white purse includes silver Maundy coins totalling 77 pennies, matching the king’s age.
A red purse contains a £5 coin marking 100 years since the late queen’s birth and a 50p coin celebrating the 50th anniversary of The King’s Trust charity.
The king is traditionally assisted in distributing the Maundy Money by the Lord High Almoner, currently the Bishop of Norwich.
This year’s service is the first held in Wales since 1982.
It will feature specially commissioned music by Welsh composers and musicians to mark the occasion.
The first recorded Royal Maundy service was held in 1210 by King John.
It commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, with the distribution of alms becoming a long-standing tradition.
(Bernama-PA Media/dpa)
