Prince William, the Prince of Wales, is reportedly considering a significant change when he ascends the throne, one that would break with centuries of tradition.
According to a recent report, Prince William—first in line to the throne—is “toying with” an idea that could dramatically reshape the UK’s landscape and usher in a new era for the monarchy.
At King Charles’s coronation last year, William was the only member of the House of Windsor to participate in the Homage of Royal Blood, pledging to be his father’s “liege man of life and limb.”
In the past, all royal dukes took part in this ceremony, but Charles opted for a more streamlined version, incorporating multi-faith elements to reflect the UK’s religious diversity. Now, William may be contemplating taking this modernization even further.
According to the Mail on Sunday, William is considering abolishing the religious oaths taken during the coronation, which could lead to the disestablishment of the Church of England.
This stands in contrast to King Charles, who holds strong religious convictions and, as monarch, bears the titles of Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Currently, the coronation is a predominantly Christian service, where the monarch swears to uphold and protect the Church of England while ensuring a Protestant succession.
For centuries, the monarchy and the Church of England have supported one another, and such a break with tradition could pose challenges for both institutions—particularly the monarchy, which relies heavily on the stability and continuity of its customs as a cornerstone of its existence.
