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
Let’s encourage our churches to support and pray for their elected representatives
Let’s encourage our churches to support and pray for their elected representatives

Last week’s elections confirm that people have lost trust in both the system and the politicians - and the fragmentation that exists in British politics. 

Church of England celebrates continued post-pandemic growth
Church of England celebrates continued post-pandemic growth

The Church said it was encouraged by five years in a row of growth while acknowledging that growth, attendance and participation remain below pre-pandemic levels.

Christians among main victims of Islamist violence in eastern DRC
Christians among main victims of Islamist violence in eastern DRC

Christians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are facing escalating violence from an Islamic State-linked militant group accused of massacres, abductions and systematic terror attacks across villages and churches, according to a major new Amnesty International report.

World Cup 2026 mission campaign aims to mobilise 10,000 churches
World Cup 2026 mission campaign aims to mobilise 10,000 churches

Evangelism and discipleship ministry Cru is hoping to mobilise 10,000 churches to spread the gospel during this summer’s World Cup taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico.