Archbishop of Canterbury<\/a>, the newspaper reported the aide as saying that Prince William\u2019s \u201ccommitment to the Church of England is sometimes quieter than people expect, and for that reason it is not always fully understood\u201d.<\/p>\nThe aide continued: \u201cThose who know him well recognise that his connection to the Church, and to the sense of duty that comes with it, runs deep and is grounded in something personal and sincere. Faith, service, and responsibility are themes that have long shaped the role he will one day inherit, and they are things he approaches in his own thoughtful way.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a time when institutions can be seen simply through a social or cultural lens, he understands that the Church\u2019s role goes beyond this. It is not only part of the nation\u2019s heritage, but a living expression of faith, rooted in prayer, compassion and a belief in grace and redemption.\u201d<\/p>\n
A \u201csource close to the prince\u201d told The Sunday Times <\/em>that his attendance at the enthronement was an \u201copportunity to be very clear\u201d where he stood.<\/p>\n\u201cHis feeling is, \u2018I might not be at church every day but I believe in it, I want to support it and this is an important aspect of my role and the next role and I will take it very seriously, in my own way.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
The Prince and Princess of Wales met Archbishop Mullally in Lambeth Palace on 5 February. After the meeting, Archbishop Mullally said that it had been \u201ca privilege\u201d to welcome them to the Palace. \u201cI know we hold the same hope for a better world and I look forward to working together in the years to come. I will continue to hold them and their family in my prayers.\u201d<\/p>\n
A \u201croyal aide\u201d told The Sunday Times <\/em>this week that the Prince and the Archbishop had had \u201ca warm and substantive conversation\u201d, which reflected \u201chis genuine interest not only in the Church\u2019s work, but in its role as a guardian of a distinctive and ancient English spiritual tradition that remains relevant in contemporary life\u201d.<\/p>\nThe newspaper reported a \u201csource close to [Archbishop] Mullally\u201d as saying that the meeting had led to \u201csignificantly increased communication\u201d between Kensington Palace and Lambeth Palace. \u201cThe Prince and Princess both feel it\u2019s important to build up that relationship and a new archbishop is a really great opportunity for that. She\u2019s also an Aston Villa fan, which helps.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Lambeth source continued: \u201cThe Prince and the Archbishop are both passionate about it [the Church] not being a private members\u2019 club and making it accessible and relevant. The improving relationship is wonderful and enables us to help defend and understand the Prince\u2019s position. We would love the [future] Supreme Governor to be at church every Sunday, but one has to be practical around the fact that they are a couple with young children.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n