What does the Archbishop of Canterbury do?
The Archbishop of Canterbury is the most senior bishop of the Church of England and the symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The archbishop crowns British monarchs and leads major national religious services.
The role dates back to St Augustine, who became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in 597.
The archbishop is appointed by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister, following a recommendation from a church commission.
Responsibilities
The archbishop leads the Diocese of Canterbury, serves as head of the Church of England's bishops and represents the church in national life.
They sit in the House of Lords and speak on moral and social issues. They also lead services at major events, such as royal weddings and funerals.
The archbishop's official London residence is Lambeth Palace, on the south bank of the Thames.
In October 2025, Sarah Mullally, then Bishop of London, was named as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman chosen for the role.
The Archbishop of York is the second most senior bishop in the Church of England. Archbishops of Canterbury often retire at around 70, and the appointment process can take many months.