The installation of the new Archbishop of Canterbury is being kept under constant review amid the ongoing meningitis outbreak – but is expected to go ahead as planned.
Prince William is among those set to arrive in the city next week for the historic ceremony, which will formally install the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally as the first woman to hold the role.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally. Picture: Neil Turner/Lambeth Palace
The event on Wednesday, March 25, comes as Canterbury is in the grip of an “unprecedented” meningitis outbreak that has already claimed two lives and left a number of young people seriously ill.
Teams at Canterbury Cathedral and Lambeth Palace involved in planning the service and associated events are in close contact with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
They say the UKHSA has advised there is no need to take any specific action at this stage, and that the installation can go ahead as planned.
“We are nevertheless keeping the situation under constant review and are following advice from UKHSA,” a spokesperson said.
Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield says the timing of the event is “terrible” given the number of people expected in the city.
“We’ve got all of Canterbury, everyone descending on Canterbury,” she told KentOnline.
Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield says the event is under regular review
“It should be safe, but of course, if there’s any suspicion that we might not be, the Dean (of Canterbury) wouldn’t go ahead with something like that.”
With those affected so far primarily of school and university age, Ms Duffield suggested the demographic attending the event may reduce the risk.
“We’re fairly distanced from each other in the Cathedral and it’s all an older demographic on the whole,” she said.
“I think we’ll probably be OK.”
Hundreds of visitors, clergy and dignitaries are due to gather at Canterbury Cathedral for the centuries-old ceremony, also known as an enthronement.
Prince William will represent the King at the event, with King Charles, as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, delegating the role to his son and heir.
Prince William will deputise for his father, King Charles, at the ceremony
He will be joined by senior bishops, civic leaders and church representatives from across the UK and abroad.
Health officials have confirmed at least 20 cases linked to the Canterbury outbreak, with many associated with students and nightlife in the city.
A major public health response is under way, with antibiotics being offered to those who may have been in close contact with cases, alongside a targeted vaccination programme for students living in university halls.
Thousands of people have been urged to come forward for treatment, particularly those who visited Canterbury’s Club Chemistry nightclub earlier this month.
Archbishop Mullally said: “My prayers are with the families of the two young people who have tragically died in the meningitis outbreak in Kent.
“My heart goes out to them in their devastating loss. I’m praying too for all those who’ve been affected by the outbreak, and for everyone working so hard to care for them and protect local communities.”
Large numbers of senior bishops, civic leaders and church leaders will fill Canterbury Cathedrall for the installation ceremony
The Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, the Very Reverend Dr David Monteith, added: “Please remember in your prayers those who have died, those who remain unwell, and those who are working hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone in Canterbury.”
Experts have stressed the risk to the wider public remains low, with the disease typically requiring close and prolonged contact – such as kissing or sharing drinks – rather than casual interaction.
Even so, the outbreak has sparked anxiety among families and prompted questions about whether large gatherings should proceed.