Prince William will fill in for his father, King Charles, at the new Archbishop of Canterbury’s first service.
The King is the supreme governor of the Church of England, but his son and heir will step in to take on the important role of deputising for the head of state at the Canterbury Cathedral service next month.
William will fill in for the King at the Archbishop of Canterbury’s debut service | PA
The Archbishop’s confirmation took place last month during a service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and she completed the traditional oath of allegiance to the sovereign earlier this week.
The Prince and Princess of Wales had an informal chat with the Archbishop, during which William congratulated her.
Sources indicate the meeting underscores how central faith remains to the Prince and Princess of Wales’s lives, with the couple keen to establish a productive relationship with the Church of England’s most senior figure ahead of significant ceremonial occasions.
Lambeth Palace stated that after the meeting, the trio talked about how churches across the country contribute to their communities, as well as William and Kate’s efforts through their Royal Foundation.
Dame Sarah welcomed the royal couple
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PAThe Archbishop said: “It was a privilege to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales to Lambeth Palace today.
“I know we hold the same hope for a better world, and I look forward to working together in the years to come.
“I will continue to hold them and their family in my prayers.”
The trio discussed the gardens of Lambeth Palace following an afternoon tea of cakes and fruit salad.
The Archbishop said: ‘It was a privilege to welcome the Prince and Princess of Wales’
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PAWhen Dame Sarah mentioned that in her former role as the Bishop of London, the deanery had a “small patch of ground,” Catherine remarked about central London: “It’s amazing how much green space there is.”
William asked Dame Sarah if she knew the layout of Lambeth Palace yet, and was told she is “getting there”.
The Princess of Wales debuted her new Daniella Draper necklace worth £1,555 during her meeting with the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
Catherine showcased her engraved Gold Keeper’s Heart Trace Chain Necklace, which symbolises “love and connection”.
Catherine debuted her new Daniella Draper necklace | PA
The handcrafted chain is made up of recycled nine-carat gold and engraved with a handwritten message.
Daniella Draper prides itself on using nature as its influence, in a similar note to the princess.
Catherine donned a Daniella Draper design at Wimbledon last year, with the piece serving as a tribute to Prince Louis, who did not attend the sporting event with his siblings, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
The Princess of Wales held her youngest son close to her heart while he was not there, as the gemstones in the piece represented April, Louis’s birth month.