The Princess of Wales and Prince William visited Lambeth Palace today for their inaugural formal encounter with Dame Sarah Mullally since she assumed the role of Archbishop of Canterbury.
Dame Sarah welcomed the royal couple on the palace steps, with the trio subsequently gathering in the Archbishop’s study for photographs before engaging in private discussions.
Press cameras documented the occasion, capturing the moment when William offered his “congratulations” to the newly appointed Archbishop.
Sources indicate the meeting underscores how central faith remains to William and Catherine’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.
The Princess of Wales and Prince William visited Lambeth Palace today for their inaugural formal encounter with Dame Sarah Mullally since she assumed the role of Archbishop of Canterbury.
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PA
Dame Sarah’s appointment marks a historic milestone as the first woman to hold the position of Archbishop of Canterbury, following a vacancy of approximately twelve months after Justin Welby stepped down amid criticism over his handling of abuse allegations.
Her confirmation took place last month during a service at St Paul’s Cathedral, and just yesterday she completed the traditional oath of allegiance to the sovereign, recognising King Charles as supreme governor of the Church of England in a ceremony with origins dating to the Elizabethan era.
The Archbishop’s formal installation, known as her enthronement, is scheduled to take place at Canterbury Cathedral in the coming weeks.
Last week, Dame Sarah Mullally revealed that her discussions with King Charles since becoming Archbishop of Canterbury have been “encouraging” as she assumes the Church of England’s most senior ministry position.
Dame Sarah welcomed the royal couple on the palace steps, with the trio subsequently gathering in the Archbishop’s study for photographs before engaging in private discussions.
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PA
The monarch, who serves as the technical head of the Church, has shown himself to be “a great supporter” of the institution, according to Dame Sarah.
She noted that King Charles was eager to learn about her plans for the Church’s future direction.
“He is a great supporter of the Church of England, and, you know, we share the desire to see a Church that is confident and one that speaks to the Christian hope,” Dame Sarah said.
The monarch, who serves as the technical head of the Church, has shown himself to be “a great supporter” of the institution, according to Dame Sarah.
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GETTY
When asked whether the King had shared his own views on the Church’s direction, Dame Sarah explained that he was interested in understanding her vision, much as many others have been.
She told the monarch that her priority is to serve as a shepherd, caring for parishioners and supporting clergy in their work.
Dame Sarah said: “I shared with the King that I hope to be the shepherd, to care for people in their parishes, for our clergy, to support them, to enable them to do what they can do, but also to speak of the Christian hope, not just within the Church and the Anglican Communion, but also into the world and providing hospitality at a time where there’s a lot of challenges for people.”