Throughout history, Archbishops of Canterbury have played a significant role in advising and guiding members of the British Royal Family on a variety of issues.

The Archbishop of Canterbury is a spiritual leader in the Church of England and has historically played an important role in advising members of the royal family on religious and moral matters.

Archbishop Welby can be relieved that his role as mediator and advisor to the Royal Family is less fraught with political danger compared to the role of Cardinal Wolsey in the time of Henry VIII. Cardinal Wolsey's failure to secure the Pope's agreement for Henry's annulment led to accusations of treason and ultimately led to his downfall. Despite his best efforts, Wolsey was unable to avoid being stripped of his position, assets, and power, and he died before he could be tried for treason. Archbishop Welby will not face similar consequences if his efforts do not succeed.

Archbishop Justine Welby

Thomas Tenison was successful in mediating tensions between William III and Anne, his sister-in-law. Tenison helped reconcile the two, as their enmity was seen as a threat to the stability and authority of the Crown. William III and Mary had no children, and without Anne, there was a risk that the Crown would pass to a less prominent branch of the family. Tenison's intervention helped restore relations between William and Anne, and upon William's death in 1702, Anne succeeded the throne. This shows the important role that the Archbishop of Canterbury can play in resolving tensions within the royal family and preserving the stability of the monarchy.

In the early 20th century, the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury in personal royal matters shifted towards taking a strong stance on religious doctrine. In 1936, when Edward VIII announced his intention to marry Wallis Simpson, who was a divorcée, Archbishop Cosmo Lang warned the King that there could be no clear distinction between his private life and being consecrated before God at the Coronation. Similarly, Archbishop Geoffrey Fisher played a role in advising Princess Margaret not to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend, who was also a divorcé. These examples show how the Archbishop of Canterbury can play a role in upholding religious principles and tradition in personal matters within the royal family.

The approach of the Archbishop of Canterbury to advising the royal family has evolved over time, reflecting changes in attitudes and societal norms. When Princess Margaret decided not to marry Peter Townsend, Archbishop Fisher praised the work of the Holy Spirit in her decision. Similarly, King Charles sought the advice of Archbishop Robert Runcie when his marriage to Princess Diana was beginning to fall apart. Runcie later stated that Charles believed Diana needed guidance, and he met with her several times to offer support and encouragement. These examples show how the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury as a trusted advisor and mediator has changed over time to meet the evolving needs of the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth II receiving Archbishop Justine Welby at Buckingham palace in 2013

The role of the Archbishop of Canterbury has evolved over time to adapt to changing attitudes and societal norms within the royal family. For example, while King Charles had to marry Camilla in a civil ceremony, followed by a blessing in St. George's Chapel, Meghan Markle was able to stand before the altar of the same church to marry Prince Harry, who was also a divorcé. This shows how the Church of England has become more accepting of divorce and remarriage over time. Currently, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is being called upon to help reconcile the King and his two sons ahead of the Coronation, further demonstrating the unique power and influence the Archbishop can have in personal matters within the royal family.

King Charles III, Queen Consort, and Archbishop Justine Welby at Buckingham palace in September 2022 after Queen Elizabeth's death