The Archbishop of Canterbury withdraws from Queen Elizabeth’s jubilee service

The Archbishop of Canterbury is “deeply saddened” after being forced to pull out of a service to mark Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee after contracting COVID-19.

Justin Welby – the Church of England’s most senior cleric – was due to give a sermon at the service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday (03.06.22) but after testing positive for the virus and also suffering from mild pneumonia, Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, will speak instead.

The Archbishop of Canterbury was also due to light a beacon at Lambeth Palace on Thursday (02.06.22) and said he was “deeply saddened” to miss the celebrations but would pray “for our nation” at such a historic event. time.

He said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened to miss the historic celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“However, I will pray for the Queen and give thanks for her extraordinary 70 years of service to us all.

“I will also pray for our nation at this time of celebration and thanksgiving. May the Queen’s example bring us together in unity and care for one another.”

The archbishop also prayed for anyone who continues to be affected by the pandemic.

He added: “As we continue to live with the coronavirus, I also pray for all those who are still suffering and for all those who continue to mourn the loved ones they lost during the pandemic. May everyone know God’s love and comfort.”

Justin was diagnosed with pneumonia last Thursday (26.05.22) and has continued to work with reduced workloads, but after developing symptoms of the coronavirus, a test on Monday (30.05.22) came back positive for the virus and he is now resting at home .

It is not yet known whether Queen Elizabeth will be in attendance at Friday’s service, but other members of her family are expected to be – including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are flying to the UK from California for the bank holiday weekend. There.