In an unprecedented modern move, the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury will undertake an 87-mile pilgrimage from London to Canterbury Cathedral ahead of her official enthronement ceremony. Dame Sarah Mullally, who was named last year as the first woman ever to hold the Church of England's most senior clerical position, will also become the first Archbishop of Canterbury in contemporary history to complete this symbolic journey.
A Historic Journey for a Historic Appointment
Dame Sarah Mullally, who previously served as Bishop of London for nearly a decade, will begin her six-day pilgrimage on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. She will be accompanied by her husband Eamonn as they follow the historic Becket Camino route, starting at St Paul's Cathedral in London and concluding at Canterbury Cathedral. The journey will span the Kent countryside, passing through various towns and cities along the way.
Spiritual Preparation Through Ancient Pathways
The pilgrimage represents both a physical and spiritual preparation for Dame Sarah's new role. "It is deeply humbling to be following in the footsteps of those who have walked this ancient route," she stated. "For centuries, faithful pilgrims have flocked to Canterbury, and I will be reflecting on this tradition as we make our way through the Kent countryside and its towns and cities."
Throughout the six-day journey, Dame Sarah will make stops for prayer services at various churches, cathedrals, and abbeys. She will also visit schools and ecumenical organizations along the route, engaging with communities and hearing their stories. Significant stops will include Southwark Cathedral, Aylesford Priory, the Shrine of St Jude in Faversham, Lesnes Abbey, and Rochester Cathedral.
The Final Approach and Royal Representation
The Dean of Canterbury, David Monteith, is expected to join Dame Sarah for the final segment of the pilgrimage, walking from the village of Chartham to Canterbury. They plan to arrive in time for evensong on Sunday, March 22. This spiritual journey precedes her formal installation as Archbishop of Canterbury, scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at Canterbury Cathedral.
The enthronement ceremony will feature significant royal representation, with the Prince of Wales deputizing for his father, King Charles III, who serves as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. William will be joined by the Princess of Wales at this historic service, which marks the official commencement of Dame Sarah's public ministry as Archbishop of Canterbury.
A New Chapter in Church Leadership
During the enthronement ceremony, Dame Sarah will deliver her first sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury, setting the tone for her leadership of the Church of England. Reflecting on her pilgrimage approach to this momentous occasion, she shared: "I'm looking forward to visiting local churches, cathedrals and holy sites along the route, and to meeting people, praying with them and hearing their stories."
She added a broader spiritual perspective: "As I walk this path I will be praying for our Church and our world, and asking God to bless those we meet. Every Christian life is a pilgrimage, a journey with God. As I begin this new chapter in my own life and ministry, I am grateful to be walking with God and with others."
This combination of ancient pilgrimage tradition and modern ecclesiastical history creates a unique moment for both the Church of England and religious observers worldwide. Dame Sarah Mullally's journey represents not only her personal spiritual preparation but also a symbolic connection to centuries of Christian tradition as she assumes leadership of one of the world's most prominent religious institutions.
