Prince William could be first King to not lead Church of England in 5 centuries

16 January 2024 , 18:59

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William could see a tradition hundreds of years in the making ended under his rule monarch (Image: Getty Images)

Prince William could be the first King not to lead the Church of England in five centuries.

New reports have claimed that the Prince of Wales may not take on the title Supreme Governor of the Church of England - breaking a tradition spanning hundreds of years that his father and grandmother both embraced. When he becomes King, like his father Charles, he would usually take on the role automatically. However, like the vast majority of Brits, William is not a regular worshipper, many of whom are increasingly turning their backs on the historic organisations.

The Mail, serialising Robert Hardman’s new royal book, revealed that within royal circles there were already some talks over what would happen with William and the church. The future King was said to greatly respect the church and enjoy attending services at Christmas and Easter but didn’t regularly attend.

This has led to reported speculation as to whether he may consider not taking on the formal role held by the country’s monarchs since Henry VIII wanted a divorce. The Mail reported that Mr Hardman wrote: "In royal circles, it is no secret that he does not share the King's sense of the spiritual, let alone the late Queen's unshakeable devotion to the Anglican church."

A senior Palace figure reportedly added: "His father is very spiritual and happy to talk about faith but the Prince is not. He doesn't go to church every Sunday, but then nor do the large majority of the country. He might go at Christmas and Easter but that's it. He very much respects the institutions but he is not instinctively comfortable in a faith environment."

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William attends services mainly connected to official engagements or special occasions - as well as weddings and Christenings. His father was a regular churchgoer, but held an interest in other faiths as well. Whilst the late Queen Elizabeth was a devout Christian who went to church weekly.

William and Kate leaving the Chapel Royal following their son Prince George's christening (Getty Images)

The current king, along with his two successors (PA)

However, across the country, church membership has plummeted in recent years, particularly amongst the younger generations who are apathetic to religion largely. The monarch holds the title of ‘Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England’. This came about when Henry VIII historically split with the Catholic church in the Vatican in 1531.

Whilst often joked about for the number of wives he held, the then obese King changed the theologistic history of the continent with his decision. Following what he did, during their coronation, the King or Queen would promise to maintain the church - a promise that takes on a different meaning nowadays.

Statistics show that amongst the church going British population, a minority are young, and a large majority are far older - meaning demographic changes will see the church-going population fall faster as well.

Kieren Williams