Archbishop Justin Welby will receive a knighthood from King Charles in the upcoming New Years Honours it has been revealed.
The New Years Honours list is released each year and recognises the achievements and services of people across the UK.
The Archbishop of Canterbury’s nomination marks only the second time in recent history that a serving leader of the Church of England has received the honour.
The Archbishop will be honoured due to his “personal service” to the crown, most recently conducting the King’s Coronation.
However, the appointment may come as a shock to some after comments from the Archbishop which attacked the Conservative Party.
The Archbishop expressed his opinion on plans to stop small boats arriving in the UK, saying it was being used as a “wedge issue to divide things” and condemned reforms as “morally unacceptable.”
His comments were met by criticism, with ex-immigration minister Robert Jenrick saying he was “wrong on both counts”.
And Express readers have been quick to condemn the decision, with commenter 68chick writing: “You got to be joking”. While user tape said Mr Welby is a “great archbishop”, “but shouldnt be taking any honour or glory for doing God’s work…shouldnt take any medal or trinket from any man…..he is God’s messenger”.
Through the years the Archbishop has presided over several royal events including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018, the christening of all three Wales children and he gave a sermon at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral last year.
But should Justin Welby be knighted by King Charles? Cast your vote in the poll and have your say in the comments.
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