The Royal Family's Easter 2019 plans: Age-old traditions, Maundy money and a special birthday

Many people like to get together with friends and family over Easter or decide to go away on holiday for the long weekend.

The Royal Family are no different in that respect, but they do like to keep up with tradition.

The Queen usually spends the Easter period at Windsor Castle, where she spends time privately with her family.

Among the relatives who might drop by are her second son, Prince Andrew, who lives locally at Royal Lodge as well as new Windsor residents the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

Maundy Thursday

On Maundy Thursday, she distributes commemorative coins, known as Maundy Money, to elderly recipients each year on the Thursday before Easter Sunday.

The gifts the monarch hands out match her age; she is soon to turn 93, so she will distribute 93p worth of Maundy money to 93 men and 93 women in recognition for their contribution to community and to the church.

At the ceremony, the Queen hands each recipient two small leather string purses. A red purse contains ordinary coins, while a white one contains the silver Maundy coins.

Easter Sunday

On Easter Sunday, the Queen attends a church service at St George’s Chapel. This year, the day’s even more special for Her Majesty, as it falls on her 93rd birthday.

The 14th century building has been the location of many royal weddings over the years, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last May and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank last October.

After the service, the Queen receives a bouquet of flowers from local children who attend.

Other members of the Royal Family have attended the service over the years.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Peter and Autumn Phillips and Zara Tindall were all present last year.

It was one of Kate’s last appearances before she gave birth to Prince Louis.

This year, the Cambridges are reportedly spending the school holidays at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall this year, according to Hello.

Louis will celebrate his first birthday on April 23.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are unlikely to attend the church service this Easter, as Meghan is heavily pregnant and due to give birth in the coming weeks.