The Prince and Princess of Wales joined over two thousand guests to witness the installation of the Most Revd and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.
Their Royal Highnesses were joined by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch and an array of guests ranging from international faith leaders to local schoolchildren.
The service at Canterbury Cathedral marked a historic milestone with Archbishop Sarah becoming the first woman to hold the highest office in the Church of England’s 1,400-year history.
William and Catherine had previously met with Dame Sarah Mullally at Lambeth Palace, where the group discussed the contribution of churches around the country to their communities, and The Prince and Princess’s work through The Royal Foundation.
At the time, Sarah said “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.”
Before her ordination, Archbishop Sarah was a nurse. As such, the Archbishop personally invited NHS nurses and carers from hospitals and hospices across Canterbury to share in her historic day.
Her past service in the NHS will also be physically represented during the ceremony. The cope and mitre worn by Archbishop Sarah feature a specially commissioned clasp made from the very belt buckle she wore as a nurse.
Held on the Feast of the Annunciation, commemorating the Angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, the service heavily featured the theme of saying “yes” to God’s calling. The globally focused ceremony will highlight the vast reach of the Anglican Communion, with representatives from at least 32 provinces and readings in six different languages.
Key ceremonial moments the Prince and Princess of Wales witnessed included the Archbishop taking the Corporal Oath which was sworn on the St John’s Bible, a magnificent hand-illuminated text given to the Cathedral in 2023, making it the first time it has been used for this purpose.
The congregation heard a Gospel reading in Spanish by the acting Primate of the Anglican Church of Mexico, a prayer in the Bemba language of Zambia, and a Kyrie sung in Urdu. Music will also be provided by the African Choir of Norfolk.
Following her formal installation in the Chair of St Augustine as Primate of All England, the Dean of Canterbury, David Monteith, will present the new Archbishop with her pastoral staff.
As the ceremony came to a close, the Archbishop will stepped outside the Cathedral’s West Door to formally greet The Prince and Princess of Wales. From there, the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury walked through the Christ Church Gate to pray a blessing over the city.
It’s a longstanding tradition for senior members of the British Royal Family to attend the installation of a new Archbishop of Canterbury. As the Monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the Crown’s presence at this event is highly symbolic. The Royals and the Archbishop of Canterbury also have a close relationship, with the holder of the post being a Privy Counsellor and conduct royal weddings, baptisms and funerals.
In 2013, Charles and Camilla attended the Installation of Justin Welby, who was the 105th Archbishop. Welby later proceeded over The King’s Coronation in 2023. Prior to Welby’s appointment, Charles attended the Installation of Rowan Williams in 2003.
