Princess Elizabeth and the Dean of Westminster, both holding posies, leaving the Abbey after the ceremony. Princess at Historic Maundy Ceremony. - HRH Princess Elizabeth today deputised for H.M. The King at the Historic Maundy ceremony at Westminster Abbey, London. As only the King or his Lord High Almoner can perform the actual ceremony - Which involves a token "washing" of the feet of 54 aged and poor people, one for each year of the Sovereign's - the Princess was merely an onlooker. the ceremony derives from Christ's act of humility to his disciples. After it, "Maundy Money" - taken coins - is distributed to the people taking part by the Lord High Almoner. April 14, 1949.