Archbishop Justin Welby shows solidarity with Princess Kate following her cancer diagnosis announcement, amidst his own critiques of the Church of England’s social stance.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has shown his support for Princess Kate following her announcement of a cancer diagnosis and her decision to undergo preventative chemotherapy. On social media, Welby praised the Princess’s courage and compassion, advocating for prayers for her full recovery while asking for the privacy of the Royal Family to be respected. The Church of England also composed a special prayer for her.
This support comes in contrast to Welby’s recent criticism of a Church of England job advert in the Diocese of Birmingham, which sought a ‘deconstructing whiteness’ officer. The Archbishop questioned the advert’s phrasing and compared it to satire, amid broader discussions around the Church’s handling of racial justice and a controversial proposal to increase a slavery reparations fund from £100 million to £1 billion.
UK media have extensively covered Princess Kate’s diagnosis, with publications like The Daily Mirror and The Daily Express commending her bravery. The Daily Telegraph criticized the online trolls targeting her, and The Daily Mail described her announcement as a “bombshell,” highlighting her fortitude. King Charles III and various newspapers expressed their support and admiration for Kate’s handling of her illness. Amidst this, the news came out that the royal couple had timed the public disclosure with their children’s Easter holidays, reflecting their thoughtful approach during this challenging period.
These developments have drawn widespread attention and support for Princess Kate while fostering discussions on several fronts, including the Church of England’s positions on social issues.
