THE QUEEN’s Jubilee tea with Paddington was not the first time she received an unexpected offer of marmalade; the Bishop of Worcester has revealed.
The Right Rev John Inge shared the story of a Maundy Money recipient who ‘thrust’ a pot of marmalade into the monarch’s hand ‘as a sort of return gift’.
Paddington captured the nation’s heart in June when after revealing he kept a marmalade sandwich in his hat ‘for emergencies’ before the Queen responded by producing one from her handbag.
Speaking in the House of Lords on Friday (September 9) Bishop John, who since 2013 has been the Lord High Almoner for the late Queen, told of the response of one woman at a Maundy Money service.
“I told them beforehand they should just say thank you your Majesty or thank you ma’am as the Queen approached them and then give a bow but one year there was a woman who couldn’t resist thrusting a pot of marmalade into the Queen’s hand as a sort of return gift,” he said.
As Lord High Almoner, Bishop John was tasked with organising the annual Royal service to honour the same number of men and women as the monarch’s age for their exemplary Christian service over a long period.
This year saw 96 men and 96 women honoured at a service which Bishop John said he was always very moved to accompany the Queen to.
“It seemed to me as they looked into one another’s eyes they understood one another and what made them tick,” he said.
“The Royal Maundy service is a very serious matter but by the constant twinkle in her eye and that radiant smile, the Queen managed to put people at their ease, immensely nervous though they were.
“She took the Maundy service very seriously I think that’s because it symbolised what motivated her.
“She served because of her faith, her faith in Jesus who came not to be served but to serve. In doing so she was an inspiration to millions around the globe,” he added.
