The Ancient Royal Tradition of Maundy Thursday
This week, the King and Queen will participate in one of the most venerable religious ceremonies of the British monarchy—attending the Maundy Thursday church service and distributing special Maundy money. This tradition has been an integral part of royal duty for over eight centuries, dating back to 1210 when King John washed the feet of several subjects, emulating Jesus's act before the Last Supper. While the practice of feet-washing was replaced long ago by the distribution of silver, highly collectible coins, the King, following in the footsteps of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, has wholeheartedly embraced this ritual. It uniquely combines a public demonstration of Christian faith with direct engagement with the people.
A Contrast in Royal Devotion
Just days later, as he has done throughout his life, the King will attend church on Easter Sunday, continuing a personal and public religious observance. There was never any ambiguity regarding Elizabeth II's faith; it was straightforward, robust, and evident in all her actions, particularly her annual Christmas Day broadcasts. In contrast, King Charles's faith is more nuanced and complex. It is invigorated not only by his membership and leadership of the Church of England but also by his profound interest in other Christian denominations and various world religions.
The Heir's Ambiguous Spiritual Stance
However, the spotlight now turns to his son and heir, Prince William, who will one day inherit the titles of Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England upon succeeding his father. For years, murmurs have persisted about whether William is a committed Christian, growing increasingly audible since he became first in line to the throne. The Prince of Wales has publicly affirmed his dedication to the Church of England, describing it as a 'quiet faith.' Yet, his devotion has frequently been questioned, as he is neither a regular churchgoer nor as overtly devout as his father, King Charles, or the late Queen Elizabeth.
Given these persistent inquiries, William decided, in the lead-up to the enthronement of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury last Wednesday—where he represented his father—that the moment had arrived to clarify his position. He sought to make it known unequivocally that he is indeed a Christian. A source indicated that the enthronement presented an opportunity to affirm that the future King and Supreme Governor does hold genuine beliefs, though it was acknowledged that 'the Prince of Wales's commitment to the Church of England is sometimes quieter than people expect, and for that reason it is not always fully understood.'
The Public Nature of Royal Faith
Some may argue that faith is inherently a private matter, but for William, this is not the case. He cannot resort to the famous Alastair Campbell retort when questioned about Prime Minister Tony Blair's faith—'we don't do God'—because the British monarchy fundamentally 'does do God.' The role of the monarch is intricately intertwined with the Established Church, which makes William's seemingly tepid expression of faith particularly disappointing, to say the least.
Examining his life reveals few clear indicators of the depth of William's faith. Like numerous royal infants before him, he was christened in the music room at Buckingham Palace, with the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, presiding. At age fourteen, he was prepared for confirmation by his father's friend, Bishop Richard Chartres. Tragically, just months later, his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a car accident. This devastating loss may have tested his faith in a deity who could permit such a horrific event. Perhaps being taken to Crathie Church near Balmoral the morning after her death felt more like an ordeal than a comfort.
Marriage and Family: Clues to Belief
Little further evidence emerged until his marriage to Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011, officiated by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. Kate, who had been confirmed prior to the wedding, collaborated with William to compose a prayer for the ceremony. It referenced the daily hustle and bustle and the need to 'keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life.' Whether this importance encompassed God remained ambiguous. Since then, the couple have had their three children christened and, along with the rest of the Windsor family, attend the Christmas Day service at Sandringham. Yet, there is scant additional proof of them being practising Anglicans. They appear, like many of their generation, more focused on environmental consciousness than overt religiosity.
Kate, in particular, frequently speaks about Mother Nature. In one of her films about the seasons, she enthuses, 'Winter has a way of bringing us stillness... to be at one with nature, a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides...' However, the traditional guide inspiring the heir to the throne and his spouse is God. Notably, the hymn 'Thy Hand, O God, Has Guided' was sung at Archbishop Mullally's installation at Canterbury Cathedral, with each verse concluding: 'One Church, one faith, one Lord.'
A Changing Religious Landscape
Of course, Britain is no longer a nation of one church and one faith. William, like his father, is acutely aware of today's diverse society. The 2021 Census indicated that non-believers constitute approximately 38 percent of the population, a figure likely to increase by the time William ascends the throne. Consequently, his coronation may need to reflect this shift, potentially becoming a less religious ceremony than his father's crowning. However, if the monarchy's connection with religion vanishes entirely, it would pose a significant constitutional problem, given that the Established Church has the monarch as its Supreme Governor.
The Deeper Significance of Belief
Beyond constitutional matters, a believing monarch serves as a signpost, pointing to something greater than themselves. This was evident at the coronation of Charles III, when the King entered Westminster Abbey and declared of Christ: 'In his name and after his example I come not to be served but to serve.' It was a profound moment of humility, acknowledging a higher power. Without such purpose and meaning, the royals risk being reduced to mere celebrities. The Church of England may not be known for aggressiveness in a modern secular world, but it should not be treated as a passive denomination expected to meekly accept a celebrity as its head. An equivocating or superficial leader would not be tolerated in other faiths, and the Anglican Church deserves the same respect—to be led by a genuine believer.
The Future of the Monarchy's Religious Role
If William cannot fully embrace this purpose, the strong bond between the monarchy, the people, and the Church may erode. Passing on this religious role appears challenging; if William is unwilling or unable to be a defender of the faith like his father, grandmother, and monarchs since Henry VIII, who will assume this mantle? Certainly not Meghan and Harry, nor any of the troubled Yorks. While Anne and Edward are steadfast supporters of his father, they will likely be too elderly to step into such a role.
Glimmers of Hope and Inspiration
One hopeful sign is William's evident admiration for individuals whose vibrant faith inspires their actions. These include people running charities he champions, such as The Passage, a homelessness project in London founded by the late Cardinal Basil Hume and an order of nuns. This concept of faith in action seems to resonate deeply with William. Similarly, the faith of Archbishop Sarah Mullally, which motivated her years as a nurse, might find a kindred spirit in the prince. If Mullally can articulate to William how her Anglican faith helps her interpret the world and anchors her commitments, he may yet come to fully embrace it, becoming the steadfast defender of the faith the nation rightfully expects.
