Would King William really break with the Church of England?

The Royal Family may have hoped that 2024 would begin in a quieter fashion than last year did, but if so, they must be disappointed. Once again, the reason for their unease is a revelatory book, this time Robert Hardman’s new biography Charles III: The Inside Story.

First came the disclosure that the Queen was incensed by Harry and Meghan naming their daughter Lilibet. Today’s story is that Prince William – not a man noted for his interest in ecclesiastical matters, it must be said – is considering breaking with the Church of England when he becomes monarch.

Once, this story would have been truly jaw-dropping in its implications. But it says much about our secular society that the book’s publicists did not consider it as noteworthy as the Harry and Meghan brouhaha. Nonetheless, the details are fascinating.