First female Archbishop of Canterbury to be enthroned in 'unimaginable' moment

The first female Archbishop of Canterbury in the entire 1,400-year history of the job says she feels "immense privilege" ahead of her official enthronement.

The ceremony on Wednesday will see Dame Sarah Mullally take the Church of England's top ministry as the 106th person to fill the role.

More than 2,000 people are expected to attend, including Prince William and faith leaders from around the world.

But no specific safety measures are planned for the event at Canterbury Cathedral despite a meningitis outbreak in Kent.

In a statement earlier this week, Dame Sarah offered her thoughts and prayers to the families of two young people killed in the outbreak.

She was named to the role last October and confirmed in it by a ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral in January, but Wednesday will mark the symbolic start of her tenure.

Speaking ahead of the event, she said: "To be welcomed into the city and diocese of Canterbury is an immense privilege.

"I am grateful to be sharing in this moment with people of all ages and backgrounds from across the Church of England, the Anglican Communion, our nation and the world.

"Our world today needs the love, healing and hope that we find in Jesus Christ. I continue to pray that we renew our confidence in this good news, and recommit ourselves to sharing the joy of the Gospel."

The Dean of Canterbury, Very Reverend David Monteith, said the first female archbishop "would have almost been unimaginable even 50 years ago".

He added: "Today matters. As we combine centuries of tradition in this ancient service with those elements unique to Sarah's ministry, we welcome her to our Cathedral and diocese, and pray for her as she takes on the role of Archbishop of Canterbury."

At the ceremony, Prince William will deputise for his father, King Charles, who is supreme governor of the Church of England.

The service will feature a mandate from the King giving instruction to install Dame Sarah as archbishop.

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A representative of the Holy See will represent the Pope at the event, and the Archbishop of Westminster, who leads Catholics in England and Wales, will give a reading.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also attend, along with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

(c) Sky News 2026: First female Archbishop of Canterbury to be enthroned in 'unimaginable' moment