Prince William keen to build 'meaningful' bond with Church

The Prince of Wales is "keen to build a strong and meaningful bond" with the Church of England, a royal aide has said, ahead of the future monarch attending the new Archbishop of Canterbury's official installation this week. The aide said Prince William's "commitment to the Church of England is sometimes quieter than people expect, and for that reason it is not always fully understood". But they added that "those 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". British monarchs serve as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and hold the title Defender of the Faith. As part of the role, monarchs are responsible for approving the appointment of archbishops, bishops and deans on the recommendation of the prime minister. On Wednesday, Dame Sarah Mullally will be installed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury. The aide said the prince had recently had a "warm and substantive" conversation with the incoming archbishop, reflecting his "genuine interest not only in the Church's work, but in its role as a guardian of a distinctive and ancient English spir