Buckingham Palace has updated the King’s official role, saying he will now “protect the space for Faith within the multi-faith nation.”
The new description appears in the Sovereign Grant report for 2025/26, marking a notable shift in how King Charles’ duties are officially defined. The annual report on royal finances now presents the monarch as a protector of faith across Britain’s diverse religious communities.
The document states: “His Majesty is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and protects the space for Faith within the multi-faith nation.”
The change signals an evolution in how the Palace describes the King’s constitutional and spiritual responsibilities.
Last year’s report described the King, under his “Head of Nation” role, as the “Head of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith.”
The title “Defender of the Faith” dates back to King Henry VIII, who was granted the title in 1521 by Pope Leo X.
Before the coronation, there was widespread speculation that King Charles might adopt “Defender of Faith” — dropping “the” to reflect a broader religious role. In the end, he kept the traditional title.
Even so, interfaith engagement has become a central part of his public service, both during his years as Prince of Wales and since becoming King.
His Majesty has often spoken about Abrahamic faiths and has built strong ties with Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Orthodox Christian and other religious communities in Britain and abroad.
Throughout his royal life, he has repeatedly championed religious diversity across the UK and the Commonwealth, promoting dialogue and understanding between different faiths.
Shortly after taking the throne in 2022, the King said: “I have always thought of Britain as a community of communities.”
He added that the Sovereign has a duty to protect the country’s diversity, including safeguarding space for faith, religion and belief.
In 2021, he also said: “Trying to build bridges between faith communities and to deepen mutual understanding has been a major part of my life’s work.”
The report also highlights the King’s wider responsibilities, describing him as a “catalyst for charitable action” and noting his long-standing focus on environmental issues, national pride and social unity.
It adds that His Majesty “provides pastoral support to our Armed Forces,” a contrast to Queen Elizabeth II, whose role was more simply described as “Head of the Armed Forces.”
The late Queen’s official description was also more straightforward, listing her only as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
This is not the first time Palace officials have revised the monarch’s formal duties. In 2022, the Sovereign Grant report also removed several responsibilities once seen as constitutional obligations.
