I had the great privilege of being asked by Sheffield Cathedral to be their official photographer for the visit of the Queen today. The distribution of the Maundy money goes back to 1210 and actually started in Yorkshire. From a photographer’s perspective it was very exciting to get an intimate view of the proceedings. At other times I was led by palace officials a long way away from the action so as to be as unobtrusive as possible. Totally reasonable but also a feeling of being so close but so far at times.

I loved documenting the occasion and trying to capture the day as it unfolded. There was so much going on – choirs warming up, recipients arriving to be seated (an hour before the queen arrived), church clergy preparing, the Yeoman of the Guard moving to position, the crowd gathering in anticipation outside – I love photography like this. And what a great celebration recognising the work of the 176 recipients – it was moving to watch what the acknowledgement by the queen meant to them. I wonder what their stories are…

Below is a brief selection of images capturing the day from the preparations to the arrival of the queen and her handing out the Maundy money…..