Princess of Wales Attends Historic Installation of First Female Archbishop
The Princess of Wales made an elegant appearance today at Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, where she witnessed the installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as the Archbishop of Canterbury. Kate, 44, accompanied by Prince William, 43, attended the ceremony that marked a significant milestone in the Church of England's history, as Dame Sarah became the first woman to hold this high office in its 1,400-year existence.
Royal Fashion and Ceremonial Details
For the occasion, the royal mother-of-three debuted a new £2,850 Washington Prince of Wales check Cashmere Coat from Suzannah London. She paired this with a £690 Houndstooth Straw Boater from Juliette Millinery, which she held onto amid windy weather. Completing her ensemble were £570 Ralph Lauren Celia Calfskin heels in black and a £4,036 Chanel Mini Classic Handbag made of lambskin and gold-tone metal. Kate accessorised further with £7,245 Cavolfiore Earrings from Cassandra Goad, crafted from 18-carat yellow gold with pearl and diamonds.
Prince William participated in the event in his role as heir to the throne, following recent tradition. The monarch, as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, delegates this duty to their successor. Upon arrival, the royal couple were greeted outside the West Door by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain, who introduced them to the Dean of Canterbury, the Very Reverend Dr David Monteith. They then processed through the Nave and took their seats in the Quire, where they watched the service without an active role.
Historic Installation and Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony featured a mandate from the King, read by Principal Registrar of the Province of Canterbury, Darren Oliver, instructing the installation of Dame Sarah as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. This legal document formalised her appointment, making her the first female archbishop in the role's long history. Dame Sarah was welcomed into the cathedral by schoolchildren from John Wallis Academy in Ashford, amid fanfare. She knocked on the West Door three times with her pastoral staff, a traditional gesture to seek permission to enter.
When questioned by the children about her purpose, she responded, "I am sent as Archbishop to serve you, to proclaim the love of Christ and with you to worship and love him with heart and soul, mind and strength." During the ceremony, Dame Sarah placed her hand on the St John's Bible to swear the Corporal Oath, marking the first time this Bible has been used in such a manner. This copy, the first Benedictine hand-illuminated Bible in over 500 years, was gifted to the cathedral in 2023, replacing the fragile Augustine Gospels used previously.
Dame Sarah's Pilgrimage and Sermon
In preparation for her role, Dame Sarah undertook a six-day pilgrimage by foot from London to Canterbury, arriving in the city on Sunday. In her first sermon as archbishop, she expressed delight and reflected on her journey, stating, "Over the last week I have walked the ancient pilgrim path from St Paul's Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral. 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." She emphasised the significance of walking with others and in the footsteps of the past.
Dame Sarah acknowledged the importance of being the first female archbishop, paying tribute to the women and men who supported her ministry. She noted that the ceremony featured "women's voices right the way through it," celebrating women's contributions and inspiring others to follow their dreams. Special features included five of the 'Africa Six,' the first female Anglican bishops from across Africa, processing in their robes, and choral music ranging from Renaissance to contemporary, such as the anthem All Shall Be Well by British composer Joanna Marsh.
Political and Public Attendance
The event drew a congregation of around 2,000 people, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch. Sir Keir, speaking in Parliament earlier, described the position as a "key role in our national life" and wished the new archbishop success. Crowds gathered outside the cathedral, with one attendee expressing eagerness to "see this brilliant moment in history." The Prince and Princess of Wales took a moment to speak with the new archbishop on their way out, having previously met her at Lambeth Palace on February 5 and indicating interest in building a warm relationship with the church's spiritual leader.
