Prince William will attend the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury – and sources say they hope it will clear up the future King’s commitment to the Church of England
Prince William hopes he can “draw a line in the sand” when it comes to questions about his faith at a major event in the coming days. This week, the Prince of Wales will represent his father, the King, at the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, at Canterbury Cathedral.
Unlike the King or his late grandmother Elizabeth II, William, 43, is not known to be a regular churchgoer or a devout Christian. It had led to questions about his personal faith, especially as he will be Supreme Governor of the Church of England and known as ‘Defender of the Faith’ when he becomes King.
There had also been speculation that William may consider not taking on the formal role held by the country’s monarchs since Henry VIII. However, sources close to the future King have now spoken about his “quiet faith” and “commitment to the Church of England” ahead of Wednesday’s service, which he will attend with the Princess of Wales.
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One told The Sunday Times: “This week is an opportunity to be very clear in people’s minds, when he walks into Canterbury Cathedral, of where he stands. For him, it is a drawing of a line in the sand of where he’s at, and it’s really important that it [the question over his commitment to the Church] is cleared up.
“His feeling is, ‘I might not be at church every day, but I believe in it, I want to support it and this is an important aspect of my role and the next role, and I will take it very seriously, in my own way’.”
William was baptised at just six weeks old and had his confirmation aged 14 – just weeks before the untimely death of his mother, Princess Diana in 1997.
An aide to the Prince of Wales added: “The Prince of Wales’s commitment to the Church of England is sometimes quieter than people expect, and for that reason it is not always fully understood.
“Those who know him well recognise that his connection to the Church, and to the sense of duty that comes with it, runs deep and is grounded in something personal and sincere. Faith, service and responsibility are themes that have long shaped the role he will one day inherit, and they are things he approaches in his own thoughtful way.”
William and his wife Kate have already met the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah, 63, when they had an audience with her at Lambeth Palace last month.
At the time, it was understood the visit reflected the importance the prince and princess place on faith and that the couple want to build a strong working relationship with the senior cleric, who like William is an Aston Villa fan.
Dame Sarah replaced the Right Rev Justin Welby, who resigned in November 2024 after 11 years in the job it emerged he “personally failed” to properly investigate a prolific Church of England sexual abuser. If still in post when William becomes King, the new Archbishop could preside over his Coronation and help him prepare for his future role within the church.
The aide added: “The prince recently had a warm and substantive conversation with the new archbishop, reflecting his genuine interest not only in the Church’s work, but in its role as a guardian of a distinctive and ancient English spiritual tradition that remains relevant in contemporary life,” they said.
“At a time when institutions can be seen simply through a social or cultural lens, he understands that the Church’s role goes beyond this. It is not only part of the nation’s heritage, but a living expression of faith, rooted in prayer, compassion and a belief in grace and redemption.
“He understands the importance of the role he will inherit and is committed to carrying it forward with sincerity, authenticity and a clear sense of purpose.”
A source close to Dame Sarah said: “We would love the (future) supreme governor to be at church every Sunday, but one has to be practical around the fact that they are a couple with young children.”
As well as the Prince and Princess of Wales being at her enthronement, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend. The Archbishop – who was a nurse before becoming ordained – has also invited NHS nurses and carers working in hospitals and hospices in Canterbury.
She is the first woman to hold the office of Archbishop of Canterbury in its 1,400-year history. The service will mark the start of her public ministry in the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
