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
Jonathan Fletcher found to have indecently assaulted man
Jonathan Fletcher found to have indecently assaulted man

Fletcher was unable to stand trial due to dementia.

After the elections, what next for Britain?
After the elections, what next for Britain?

If the two-party system is indeed dead, as both Zack Polanski and Nigel Farage claim, it’s because members of these two parties have failed, promoting ideologies that are alien to the British character, and serving their own interests, rather than those of the people.

Are we losing the ability to be still? ADHD, digital distraction and the spiritual battle for attention
Are we losing the ability to be still? ADHD, digital distraction and the spiritual battle for attention

What if modern life itself is making sustained attention, inner stillness and mental clarity increasingly difficult for almost everyone?

Christian Reform UK voters 'want their country back'
Christian Reform UK voters 'want their country back'

Nigel Farage has clashed with CoE leaders in the past.