In a groundbreaking move that would defy centuries-old customs established by Henry VIII, Prince William is predicted to become the first British monarch in 500 years to not hold the title of head of the Church of England.
This revelation comes from a new biography of King Charles III, William’s father, written by Robert Hardman.
Hardman suggests that the heir to the throne lacks the unwavering devotion to the Anglican Church that characterized the reign of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The disparity in religious attitudes between father and son is evident, with Charles being a regular churchgoer who openly discusses faith.
During his Christmas speech last month, he paid tribute to the festivals of various religions, indicating his interest in different belief systems.
In contrast, William’s connection to the Anglican Church is more tenuous.
According to Hardman, it is widely known within royal circles that William does not share his father’s spiritual sense or his late grandmother’s steadfast dedication to the Anglican Church.
There is even speculation that William may choose not to assume the title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England when he eventually ascends to the throne.
A senior palace figure explained that while Charles is deeply spiritual and comfortable discussing faith, William is not.
The prince attends church only on special occasions such as Christmas and Easter, much like the majority of the country.
Although he respects religious institutions, he does not feel at ease in a faith environment.
At the age of 14, William was confirmed into the Anglican faith in 1997.
However, he now attends only a few services each year, usually in connection with official engagements or significant events.
Since Henry VIII’s split from Rome in 1531, the British monarch has been known as the defender of the faith and the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, pledging in their coronation oath to uphold the church.
Recent official statistics reveal a significant decline in UK church membership, dropping from approximately 30% of the population a generation ago to an estimated 2.4 million people, or 8.4% of the population, by next year.
The average weekly attendance at Church of England services in 2022 was 654,000, a decrease of over 400,000 from 2009.
Of those who regularly attend services, 36% are aged 70 or above, with just under half between the ages of 18 and 69, and only 18% aged 17 or younger.
It is worth noting that Kate, Princess of Wales, also chose to be confirmed into the Anglican faith before her wedding to William in 2011.
According to the Book of Common Prayer, this entails taking communion three times a year.
The royal family, including William, Kate, and their children Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, were photographed attending St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, during the Christmas season.
As Prince William prepares for his future role as king, his potential departure from the long-standing tradition of being the head of the Church of England raises questions about the monarchy’s evolving relationship with religion.
While the decision ultimately rests with William himself, it would undoubtedly mark a significant shift in the monarchy’s connection to the Anglican Church, reflecting the changing religious landscape of the United Kingdom.