Queen Elizabeth is to visit Armagh next month to take part in a "royal Maundy" ceremony at St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral.
The queen will distribute alms to 164 people during the Maundy, an ancient ceremony that has its origin in the commandment Christ gave after washing the feet of his disciples on the day before Good Friday.
A spokeswoman for the Church of Ireland said the queen would be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh for the March 20th event, adding that it would be the first time the ceremony was held outside England and Wales.
"All recipients will be over 70 years of age and have made a significant contribution to church or community life," the spokeswoman said.
Commenting on the forthcoming event, the Dean of Armagh, the Very Rev Patrick Rooke said: "This is a great honour for us in Armagh.
"We are excited and certain that this will be a memorable and special service for all those involved."
