WORCESTER is preparing for a royal visit as Queen Camilla will attend Worcester Cathedral to distribute gifts to 'exemplary' individuals on behalf of the King.

Her Royal Highness the Queen will arrive at the cathedral tomorrow (Thursday) for the annual Royal Maundy Service.

Ceremonial coins will be presented to 75 men and 75 women from around the country, including 39 people from the diocese covering Worcestershire and Dudley.

The gift is presented in recognition of their exemplary Christian service to church and community over many years.

The service last took place in Worcester in 1980, with The King and Queen attending last year's event at York Minster.

The Maundy service will be held in the morning and will be attended by invited representatives from across the diocese and county, including the recipients and their guests.

His Majesty The King has recorded a special Easter message of hope that will be broadcast at Worcester Cathedral.

It will be the Queen's first public appearance since the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis.

Worcester News: The Royal Maundy Service was last held in Worcester back in 1980The Royal Maundy Service was last held in Worcester back in 1980 (Image: Worcester Cathedral)

Worcestershire County Council has announced a number of road closures that will come into force as the city prepares for The Queen's arrival tomorrow (Thursday).

The following roads will be closed between 8am and 2pm:

  • A44 (from Junction of City Walls Rd & Edgar St to Junction of Quay Street)
  • Cathedral Square Service Road (access to NCP Car Park)
  • Cathedral Square       
  • College Yard
  • Copenhagen St (from Car Park to High St)  
  • Fish Street (from Deansway to High St)       
  • Friar St (from Junction of College Street to NCP rear exit)  

Traffic will be diverted via the north eastern side of the city centre, via the Butts and City Walls Road.

Copenhagen Street Car Park will be closed to the general public, and there will be no access to the NCP Car Park at Cathedral Square.

There will also be barriers placed along Deansway, which people can stand behind if they would like to watch The Queen enter and exit the Cathedral.