The King and Queen will visit Durham later this month – here's how you can get involved.
About the Royal visit
His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla are due to attend a Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on Thursday 17 April.
Royal Maundy takes place each year on the Thursday before Easter Day. It is a special church service in which the King expresses his gratitude to those who serve and volunteer in their communities.
During the service, His Majesty will present 152 recipients, 76 men and 76 women, signifying his age (76 years old), with specially-minted Maundy money to thank them for their service and making a difference to people's lives.
How to get involved
Spectators are invited to gather on Palace Green and in Durham Market Place to get the best view of the King and Queen as their motorcade passes. If you want to watch from Palace Green, please be in position by 9.30am.
There will be restrictions in place to ensure safety. Access to Palace Green will be limited overnight while safety measures are put in place, with Windy Gap and Dun Cow Lane closed to pedestrians.
On the day of the visit, all roads leading into and out of the peninsula area of Durham will be closed to vehicles from 6am to 3pm. Spectators will not be allowed to gather on a narrow section of Saddler Street and Owengate. Police, neighbourhood wardens, and volunteers will be present to assist.
We are working with Durham Cathedral, Durham Constabulary, and Durham County Council to ensure a safe and enjoyable day.
The King's Durham connections
The King has a longstanding relationship with us. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from Durham in 1998, and last visited in 2018, when he participated in events at St John's College, Durham Cathedral, and Palace Green Library.
Durham Cathedral is close to many of our departments and colleges, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes Durham Castle, home to our University College.
