February 10, 2005

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, has welcomed the announcement that HRH Prince of Wales and Mrs Camilla Parker-Bowles are to marry.

In a statement from Lambeth Palace, Archbishop Rowan said, "I am pleased that Prince Charles and Mrs Camilla Parker-Bowles have decided to take this important step. I hope and pray that it will prove a source of comfort and strength to them and to those who are closest to them."

The Archbishop has accepted an invitation to preside at a service of prayer and dedication following the civil ceremony. He said, "These arrangements have my strong support and are consistent with Church of England guidelines concerning remarriage which the Prince of Wales fully accepts as a committed Anglican and as prospective Supreme Governor of the Church of England."

Anglican Communion News Service, London