Canterbury Cathedral is readying itself for the historic installation of Most Revd Sarah Mullally as its first female Archbishop.

Over 2000 people from around the world will descend on the Cathedral next week, as Archbishop Sarah takes her seat.

Guests will include the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch, as well as primates and members of the Church of England.

Healthcare workers from across the Commonwealth will be in attendance, representing Archbishop Sarah’s past as a Chief Nursing Officer, and her work with community healthcare as Bishop of London.

The installation ceremony is set to go ahead despite an outbreak of meningitis among Canterbury's student population, with 34 confirmed cases of the infection. The Cathedral has said it is monitoring the situation. 

Archbishop Sarah herself is currently undertaking a six-day pilgrimage from London to Canterbury, which she temporarily broke to attend the House of Lords' vote on abortion. 

“To be welcomed into the city and diocese of Canterbury is an immense privilege,” she said. “I am grateful to be sharing in this moment with people of all ages and backgrounds from across the Church of England, the Anglican Communion, our nation and the world.”

“Our world today needs the love, healing and hope that we find in Jesus Christ,” she added. “I continue to pray that we renew our confidence in this good news, and recommit ourselves to sharing the joy of the Gospel.”

The Dean of Canterbury, the Very Revd Dr David Monteith, noted that this installation is especially historic, due to Archbishop Sarah’s gender.  

“Installing Sarah as our first female Archbishop would have almost been unimaginable even 50 years ago,” he said. “Today As we combine centuries of tradition in this ancient service with those elements unique to Sarah’s ministry, we welcome her to our Cathedral and diocese, and pray for her as she takes on the role of Archbishop of Canterbury.”