The Prince of Wales is reportedly considering a significant change for when he ascends the throne, one that could break with centuries of royal tradition. According to sources, Prince William, as the heir, is exploring a decision that could reshape the UK’s monarchy and mark a turning point in its history.
At King Charles’ coronation last year, William was the only royal family member to participate in the Homage of Royal Blood, swearing to be his father’s “liege man of life and limb.” Unlike previous coronations, where multiple royal dukes were involved, Charles chose a simpler, more inclusive ceremony that reflected the UK’s religious diversity. William is now said to be considering modernizing the coronation even further.
It has been reported that, “William is toying with the idea of abolishing the religious oaths of the Coronation – potentially leading to the disestablishment of the Church of England.”
This would contrast with King Charles, who is deeply committed to his role as Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Traditionally, the coronation includes a vow to protect the Church of England and ensure a Protestant succession.
During Charles’ coronation, he was asked: “Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you… maintain… the Protestant Reformed Religion… and preserve… the Church of England… as by law established in England?” Charles also pledged to “uphold and maintain” the Protestant succession as required by law.
Since Henry VIII’s Reformation in 1534, the British monarch has been head of the Church of England, a position held by every Anglican ruler since.
The Church has been the official state religion since 1689, but if William opts to remove religious elements from his coronation, it could lead to the church being disestablished, ending its status as the state religion.
The 2021 census showed that, for the first time, less than half of people in England and Wales identified as Christian, prompting some to question whether the monarchy should still be tied to the Church. Stephen Evans of the National Secular Society called it “absurd” for the monarch to remain head of the church.
However, for centuries, the monarchy and the Church of England have reinforced one another, and breaking with this tradition could pose challenges for both. The monarchy’s foundation on stability and continuity could be tested by such a significant shift.
