Durham Cathedral is preparing vibrant flower arrangements to welcome King Charles III and Queen Camilla for the Royal Maundy Service on Thursday, April 17.
This special event honors community volunteers, with the King presenting Maundy Money to 152 recipients—76 men and 76 women—symbolizing his age, in recognition of their outstanding Christian service across dioceses in Durham, York, Wales, and Scotland.
The floral decorations are led by Deborah Simpson Boston, a flower farmer and designer who uses sustainable methods including foam-free floral mechanics and locally grown British flowers, which align with the King and Queen’s support for British floristry.
Deborah consulted Shane Connolly, the renowned florist behind the flowers for the King and Queen’s 2023 Coronation and previous royal weddings, to ensure the arrangements are fit for royalty.
Volunteers at Durham Cathedral have been practicing the creation of urn and bowl displays in the weeks leading up to the service. Olive Simpson, a volunteer with 41 years of experience, expressed her honor in contributing to the event, recalling her past work for Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.
Another volunteer, Chris Darke, who has a diploma in interior design and floristry, described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity that brings joy through flowers.
The cathedral’s commitment to sustainability includes moving away from non-biodegradable floral foam to reusable options and prioritizing seasonal, locally sourced flowers grown on Deborah’s farm and by smaller growers in County Durham, Northumberland, and North Yorkshire.
This Royal Maundy Service not only celebrates community service but also highlights the beauty and tradition of floral artistry in one of England’s most historic cathedrals, making it a memorable occasion for all involved.
