The ongoing saga of Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has taken another cringe-inducing turn, and it’s hard to look away.

Once a figure of moral authority for the Church of England, Welby now finds himself entangled in the web spun by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

This latest debacle is a stark reminder of how quickly a respected leader can stumble into controversy.

Back in May 2018, Welby had the honor of officiating the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

For any clergyman, this would typically be a moment steeped in solemnity and dignity.

However, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the center, things quickly spiraled into chaos.

What should have been a simple ceremony transformed into a grand spectacle, and Welby, for reasons known only to him, dove headfirst into the fray.

In the lead-up to the wedding, rather than maintaining the impartiality expected of a seasoned religious leader, Welby became increasingly involved with the couple.

Before long, he had transitioned from merely signing the wedding certificate to becoming their close confidant.

It seemed they bonded over discussions about fame and the trials of public life, leading him to believe he was their trusted counselor and moral guide.

As time passed, Welby appeared to lose himself in their world of drama and self-absorption.

In a rare public display in 2019, he lavished praise on Meghan, describing her as a person of profound humanity.

Ironically, this came while she and Harry criticized the very institution that had elevated them.

His dedication was further illustrated when he skipped a crucial Church of England meeting to officiate baby Archie’s christening, leaving senior church leaders bewildered by his priorities.

Welby’s alignment with the Sussexes didn’t stop there.

He openly criticized the Royal Family’s expectations, claiming they were unrealistic and asserting that Harry and Meghan deserved a break, as if they were just ordinary people.

His belief that the couple were victims of an oppressive system seemed to blind him to their responsibilities as royals.

Fast forward to 2021, when Harry and Meghan released their Netflix documentary, taking aim at everything from the British monarchy to the legacy of slavery.

Throughout this turmoil, Welby remained steadfastly loyal to the Sussexes, even calling for sweeping changes within the Church of England regarding its historical role in systemic issues.

How convenient that his calls for reform mirrored the grievances voiced by Harry and Meghan.

However, the plot thickened in 2023 when reports emerged suggesting that Welby had become completely ensnared in the Sussexes’ narrative.

Yet, this involvement seemed to come at a cost, as it distracted him from addressing serious issues within his own life.

Revelations surfaced about his connections to a notorious evangelical barrister accused of child abuse, which ultimately led to his resignation.

The timing raises questions.

Could Welby’s association with the Sussexes have played a role in his downfall?

While the connection may not be direct, it certainly adds an intriguing layer to an already complicated story.

One thing is certain: after a series of blunders, Justin Welby, who once held a significant position within the Church of England, has now been marked by this scandal.

As the dust settles, it’s evident that the repercussions of his choices will linger.

The Archbishop’s journey from revered spiritual leader to a figure caught in a whirlwind of controversy serves as a cautionary tale.

It highlights how easily one can lose sight of their duties and ideals when caught up in the allure of celebrity and personal connections.