THE ROYAL COLLECTION TRUST The Queen’s Year Spring Commonwealth Observance Day The Royal Maundy Service Easter Court The Queen’s Birthday Commonwealth Observance Day The first annual occurrence of the royal year is Commonwealth Day, which is celebrated throughout the Commonwealth of Nations on the second Monday of March. It is marked by the colourful Observance for Commonwealth Day held in Westminster Abbey. The ceremony begins with a procession of flag bearers, each representing one of the 53 member states, and includes a lively assortment of musical performances, readings from some of the Commonwealth’s faiths, and speeches from The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, and the Secretary-General. It is attended by dignitaries, High Commissioners, religious leaders, citizens and school children from across the Commonwealth. A reception is held at Marlborough House, the Headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, and is usually attended by The Queen. The day is also marked by a special recorded message from Her Majesty to the people of the Commonwealth, continuing a tradition begun by her father, King George VI. Each year Commonwealth Day has a theme – in 2010 it was Science, Technology and Society . The day also usually marks the beginning of the Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay, which has anticipated every Commonwealth Games since 1958. The baton for the 2010 Games will go on the longest ever relay, travelling throughout the entire Commonwealth and then through all 28 states of India before arriving in Delhi for the opening ceremony. The Royal Maundy Service The Royal Maundy Service occurs on Maundy Thursday, the last Thursday before Easter. Traditionally the service took place in London, however from early in The Queen’s reign it has been held in a different location in the United Kingdom each year. In 2010, the Royal Maundy Service took place at Derby Cathedral. The service commemorates the ‘maundatum’ or command made by Christ to his disciples at the Last Supper to love one another. The association of the ceremony with royalty dates back to the 13th century. As Christ washed and dried the feet of his disciples, so the sovereign washed the feet of paupers and distributed food and money. From the mid-18th century the tradition ceased, but was reinstated by The Queen’s grandfather, King George V. In the modern ceremony Maundy towels are worn around the waist and over the shoulder by those attending The Queen to signify the tradition of the washing of feet. No food is distributed, and instead Maundy coins from the Royal Mint are handed out by The Queen in red and white purses. The purses are carried by the Yeomen of the Guard on two silver-gilt dishes, known as the Fish Dishes, dating from 1661. One is decorated with freshwater fish, the other with saltwater fish – the dishes are alternated depending on whether the Maundy Service visits an inland (freshwater) or coastal (saltwater) town. The recipients of the Maundy gifts are selected for their service to the community or church. It is traditional for the number of recipients to reflect the sovereign’s age – in 2010 there were 83 male and 83 female recipients. 2 Easter Court For one month in late March and early April, The Queen takes up full residence at Windsor Castle for Easter Court. Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world and has been a royal residence for over 900 years – today it is the weekend home of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. During Easter Court, Her Majesty continues to entertain and undertake official functions. On the Sunday closest to St George’s Day (23 April), the Scout Movement parade at the Castle, and a selection of those who have achieved The Queen’s Scout Award are inspected by Her Majesty. This tradition was begun by The Queen’s grandfather, King George V in 1934. Two or three private dinners are held at the Castle, and guests are invited to stay overnight – these are known as ‘Dine and Sleeps’. The guests are given a tour of the State Apartments before viewing a special display of objects selected from the Royal Collection. On Easter Sunday The Queen and the Royal Family attend St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The Queen’s Birthday The Queen’s birthday is on 21 April and is spent privately with family. It is officially celebrated in early June through the Trooping of the Colour ceremony in London. Each year around 3,000 birthday cards are received from members of the public. As The Queen’s birthday is celebrated at different points of the year by Commonwealth nations, a steady stream of cards arrive throughout the year. 3 .