At 75 years old, the King was unable to join the congregation at Worcester Cathedral due to his cancer diagnosis.
Instead, he recorded an audio message expressing the significant place the traditional Easter ceremony held in his heart.
In his absence, the Queen, aged 76, became the first consort to take on the monarch’s role of presenting ceremonial coins to retired local pensioners who have served the church and their communities.
Arriving at the cathedral just before 11 am, the Queen was welcomed by the Lord High Almoner John Inge, the Bishop of Worcester.
Dressed in a cream cashmere coat by Fiona Clare and a brown Lock & Co hat, she accessorized with two matching sapphire and gold brooches once owned by Elizabeth II, radiating a broad smile as she posed for photographs before heading inside.
The stunning clip brooches from Cartier were gifts to the late Queen from her parents in the 1940s when she was in her late teens.
According to Leslie Field in her book, The Queen’s Jewels: "The Queen’s Cartier gold flower clips, with clusters of cushion-shaped sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds in their centers, were bought separately in 1942 and 1945 by King George and Queen Elizabeth.
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Princess Elizabeth had worn the brooches during a visit to North America in 1951, as well as during visits to Bracknell in 1991 and the Epsom Derby in 1995.
Her luxurious brown fluffy hat, featuring a vintage-style faux fur trim, is a beloved piece she has sported on numerous occasions, occasionally adorned with feathers.
It seemed to be a version of the milliner’s £375 Estate hat, hailed as suitable "for country pursuits and snowy occasions,” making it an excellent choice for winter weather coziness.
Meanwhile, a sizable group of protesters from the anti-monarchy group Republic shouted “down with the crown” nearby.
The Christian service commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus Christ washed the feet of his 12 disciples on the eve of his death.
The King informed the congregation that through this act, the Lord set an example for all to serve and care for each other.
He remarked, "In this country, we are blessed with various services for our welfare.
However, beyond these organizations and their devoted staff, the extending hand of friendship is crucial, especially in times of need.
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The King's message was recorded at Buckingham Palace several weeks after revealing his cancer diagnosis and before Princess of Wales announced her own cancer treatment last week.
Though not explicitly referring to their situations, it is likely seen as an acknowledgment of the recent outpouring of public support.
The King reiterated his Coronation pledge of "not to be served but to serve.
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Beginning his brief Easter message with regret for his absence, he expressed, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it is, for me, a great sadness that I cannot be with you all today.
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He acknowledged the special place the Maundy Service held in his heart.
In his first year as monarch, he followed his late mother, Elizabeth II, in presenting Maundy money to pensioners at York Minster.
The ceremonial coins, given to recipients equal to the monarch's age in two purses, one red and one white, are recommended by clergy of all denominations to retired pensioners who have supported the church and local communities.
The King praised the 150 recipients for their kindness and extraordinary service to their communities.
He shared, “The act of worship at Worcester Cathedral reminds me of the pledge I made at the beginning of the coronation service – to follow Christ’s example 'not to be served but to serve.
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"I have always striven to do this with my whole heart," he noted, expressing a special prayer for continued inspiration and strength for all communities.
"May God bless you all this Easter.
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