King Charles the great betrayer
David Vance SubstackRead More
Let me start with a personal story. I was at Lords Cricket Ground earlier this week to watch England play the West Indies. At the start of the game we were asked to stand for the National Anthems of both teams which I did. But I couldn’t bring myself to sing “God save the King’. I just couldn’t. I had no problem singing “God save the Queen” but there is something “off” about Charles and I felt it on Wednesday night!
Fast forward to the news that The King’s official role is now described as protecting faith “within the multi-faith nation,” according to a newly published palace definition of the monarchy’s duties. Buckingham Palace says the King, who is Supreme Governor of the Church of England, will “protect the space for Faith” under the updated job description published in the new Sovereign Grant report 2025-26.
The is a shift from last year’s description, which referred to the monarch as “Head of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith.” This year’s version goes further, stating: “His Majesty is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and protects the space for Faith within the multi-faith nation.”
Let’s be clear ; this is a quiet act of abject constitutional surrender. Buckingham Palace has quite simply rewritten the King’s job description. Gone is the ancient title “Defender of the Faith,” singular and proud, rooted in Henry VIII’s break with Rome and centuries of Protestant succession.
It is replaced by this limp, modish pledge to “protect the space for Faith” in our “multi-faith nation.” Charles III, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has effectively declared himself neutral in the one institution that he is sworn to lead. You could excused for reading it as an abdication dressed up as enlightenment.
I also have to wonder what exactly Charles is actually “defending” when faiths hold mutually exclusive truth claims—some of which, in practice, show scant respect for the liberal “space” King Charles so eagerly offers.
The Monarchy’s purpose was never to be a neutral n a spiritual free-for-all. It was to embody a specific inheritance: British, Christian, constitutional.
The Defender of the Faith is now Defender of All Faiths and therefore none. He is a king without conviction, an expensive mascot. At this rate, the next Sovereign Grant report may as well list his role as “National Vibes Manager.”
