In a surprising twist that could reshape royal customs, Prince William may choose to forgo the traditional title of Supreme Governor of the Church of England when he eventually becomes king.

This speculation comes from royal biographer Robert Hardman in his latest book, “The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy.”

According to Hardman, the Prince of Wales appears to have a different relationship with the Anglican Church compared to his father, King Charles III, and his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The title of Supreme Governor has been held by British monarchs since the reign of King Henry VIII in the 1530s.

However, Hardman suggests that William’s views on faith do not align with the strong Anglican dedication exhibited by his father and grandmother.

In royal circles, it’s well-known that William does not share the same spiritual inclination as King Charles, who often speaks openly about his faith.

Hardman elaborates that while Charles is deeply spiritual and engages in discussions about religion, William’s approach is quite different.

He doesn’t attend church every Sunday, which is a common practice among many people in the UK today.

Instead, he might make an appearance during significant holidays like Christmas and Easter, but that’s about it.

Despite this potential departure from tradition, Hardman emphasizes that Prince William holds a deep respect for the monarchy’s institutions.

However, he seems to feel somewhat out of place in religious settings.

This nuanced perspective raises questions about how a future King William would navigate the complexities of faith within the monarchy.

After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, King Charles III took on the role of Supreme Governor.

In his inaugural speech, he expressed that his faith is firmly anchored in the Anglican Church, setting a tone that contrasts with what might be expected from his son.

While William may not embrace this faith-centric role, he still participates in certain royal traditions.

For instance, just recently, William joined his family for the annual Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene in Sandringham.

Alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla, he attended the service with his wife, Kate Middleton, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Interestingly, Louis’s Christmas outfit marked a royal first, adding a modern touch to the age-old tradition.

Historically, the Anglican Church emerged during the English Reformation in the 16th century, with King Henry VIII famously severing ties with the Pope.

His desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon led to the establishment of the Church of England, and he declared himself its Supreme Head through the Act of Supremacy.

As the monarchy evolves, the question remains: will Prince William indeed break this long-standing tradition?