Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, her son Prince Charles became King at the age of 73. He inherited the many titles that his mother carried throughout her 70-year reign, one of which is the “Defender of the Faith”. That refers to his role as the supreme governor of the Church of England.

In 2009, the Church of England stated it had over 26 million baptised members accounting for nearly half of the population of England. It is also the mother church of the international Anglican Communion which is present around the world, particularly in Commonwealth countries like Canada, Australia and South Africa. The British monarch’s role as Defender of the Faith is mostly symbolic; in practice he has limited powers.

What is the monarch's role as head of the Church of England? How was the Church of England born? What is the Church of England religion like? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 26/10/2022

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