Archbishop of Canterbury: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's church wedding is based on genuine faith

The Archbishop of Canterbury has insisted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to marry in church is based on their genuine faith and commitment.

Justin Welby is thought to be favourite to take the service at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle next May but the details have yet to be announced.

The Archbishop refused to be pressed on whether he would officiate at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in Windsor next May but said their decision to marry in church was based on a commitment to faith.

'I am very, very sure after conversations that this is no tick-box exercise,' he told the BBC's Today programme which was broadcast from Lambeth Palace on Thursday.

'There is a profound sense of commitment, seriousness both about faith and about their lives together which is quite inspirational.'

He added: 'It is important because people look at it and they will see a model of how two people commit their lives to one another before God and in the presence of millions of people.'

Asked whether he would take the wedding Welby said 'that is up to them' but said it would a 'wonderful' occasion.

Welby was teased by the BBC's Nick Robinson after he dropped the rings while officiating at the wedding of his head of communications Ailsa Anderson but said he didn't think that had ruled him out from taking the service.

The Church of England's guidance for remarrying divorcees suggests the priest ask the couple a series of probing questions to check they have thought it through. If Welby did take the service he would be expected to ask Meghan Markle a number of questions including 'what have you learned from your previous marriage?' and 'has there been healing of past hurts?' 

Markle, 36, is a Protestant Christian and went to a Catholic high school. She will be baptised before the service and also intends to become a British citizen. 

In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC's Today programme the archbishop also called for a 'ceasefire' on insults and personal attacks over Brexit

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
MPs appear to be turning against assisted suicide bill
MPs appear to be turning against assisted suicide bill

MPs who previously voted for assisted suicide appear to be turning against it.

London College of Bishops denounces antisemitic incidents
London College of Bishops denounces antisemitic incidents

The London College of Bishops has said it “unequivocally” condemns a number of apparently antisemitic attacks aimed at synagogues, charities and shops.

The media mandate: How wise use of communication can strengthen the Christian church
The media mandate: How wise use of communication can strengthen the Christian church

As the Church tries to make sense of AI and all the media tools at its disposal, it must ask not merely what gains attention, but what honours Christ, writes Duncan Williams.

Church of Scotland to consider apology for alleged slavery links
Church of Scotland to consider apology for alleged slavery links

The Church of Scotland’s General Assembly will next month consider a report detailing historic links to the transatlantic slave trade and proposals for an official institutional apology.