The Queen appeared in good spirits as she undertook the tradition of giving the red and white purses containing Maundy money to pensioners.

She handed two purses to each of the 92 men and 92 women, marking her 92nd birthday next month.

The pensioners were chosen in recognition of their service to the community and the Church.

This year the service was held at St George's Chapel, at Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will tie the knot on May 19.

Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter and commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

Every year the Queen marks Maundy by offering alms to senior citizens - retired pensioners recommended by clergy and ministers of all denominations - in recognition of service to the Church and to the local community.

This year the red purse contains a £5 coin, commemorating four generations of royalty, and a 50p coin commemorating the Representation of the People Act 1918, gave some women the right to vote. Both coins have been mintedin 2018.

To read the complete article, see:
The Queen presents Maundy Thursday coins at traditional service at Windsor Castle's StGeorge's Chapel - but Prince Philip pulls out because of a 'problem with his hip' (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-5557799/The-Queen-gives-92-men-92-women-traditional-Maundy-Thursday-coins.html)

Historically, this sum of £5.50 in the red purse is made up of £3 for clothing, £1.50 in lieu of provisions and £1 for the redemption of the Sovereign's gown which, before Tudor times, used to be divided between therecipients.

The White Purse contains uniquely minted Maundy money - one, two, three and four silver penny pieces - to the value of 92p.

The Royal Maundy is an ancient ceremony which originated in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples the day before Good Friday.

To read the complete article, see:
Queen to distribute Maundy money (http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/queen-to-distribute-maundy-money-11364261136855)