Kate Middleton and Prince William stepped out earlier today to attend the historic ceremony to install the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.
Kate and William Witnessed the First Woman Archbishop to Lead the Church of England During the Service
The Prince and Princess of Wales witnessed the first woman archbishop to lead the Church of England during a service at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday, March 25th.
Dame Sarah Mullally was installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. It is a royal tradition for the heir to the throne to lead the royal family in witnessing the event.
The monarch, who is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, gives their successor the privilege of attending the ceremony.
According to the Daily Mail,
“Dame Sarah is the first female to hold the high office of Archbishop of Canterbury in its 1,400-year history.”
Kate Looked Stunning As Always In a Check Cashmere Coat From Suzannah London
The Daily Mail also described Kate’s classy look for the ceremony:
“The royal mother of three debuted a new £ 2,850 Washington Prince of Wales check cashmere coat from Suzannah London for the occasion.”
She also wore a stunning wide-brimmed hat by Juliette Botterill. Kate also accessorized with a pair of Calvolfiore earrings from Cassandra Goad, made of gold, pearls, and diamonds.
Dame Sarah and the royal couple spent some time together when she welcomed Kate and William to her residence at Lambeth Palace in London back in February.
William and Kate arrived shortly before the service and were greeted outside by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain, who curtseyed for the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Kate and William intend to form a meaningful relationship with the church and its newly installed archbishop. A couple of days ago, William admitted to having a “quiet faith” and that he isn’t a regular churchgoer.
Prince William Admitted His “Quiet Faith” and Is Not a Regular Church Goer
Unlike his father, King Charles, and grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, he isn’t devout in his faith. He may not attend church every day, but he believes in God and wants to support the church.
His admission caused some debate among devout royal fans. Some believe that the Supreme Governor of England should attend church more regularly.
The British public will follow his example; if the church isn’t a priority for William, why would it be for them? That is the consensus of some of the public concerning William’s statement about his quiet faith.
However, it is good to know that William still supports religion, faith, and leaders. During the ceremony, Dame Sarah placed her hand on the bible and swore the Corporal Oath.
Dame Sarah Gave Her First Sermon As the First Female Archbishop
Dame Sarah told the congregation that she was
“delighted to be here today.”
She delivered her first sermon in her role as archbishop.
The new archbishop said,
“Over the last week, I have walked the ancient pilgrim path from St Paul’s Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral.”
She continued,
“Each day my heart and spirits were lifted immeasurably by the people, young and old, we encountered, even though my aching feet and limbs tell a different story.”
The archbishop added,
“As I have walked, I have been aware that I make this journey both on a personal level, as my ministry moves from being the Bishop of London to the Archbishop of Canterbury, but more significantly, I make this journey with others and in the footsteps of the past.”
Dame Sarah looks forward to working with Kate and William in the years to come and has said she will
“Continue to hold them and their family in my prayers.”
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