In a move that seamlessly weaves ancient ecclesiastical tradition with a modern, “boots-on-the-ground” leadership style, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally has embarked on a historic 87-mile (140km) pilgrimage.
This spiritual trek from London to Kent is the formal precursor to her installation as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.
Dame Sarah, formerly the Bishop of London and the UK Government’s Chief Nursing Officer, is the first woman in the Church of England’s 1,400-year history to hold this office.
Her decision to walk the “Becket Camino” route is being hailed as a defining moment for the Church, signalling a ministry rooted in humility, visibility, and community engagement.
What is the Significance of the 2026 Pilgrimage?
This journey represents the first time in modern history that an incoming Archbishop has undertaken a major physical pilgrimage as part of their spiritual preparation for office.
Bridging the Past and Future
By walking from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral, Dame Sarah is physically connecting her previous role in London to her new seat in Kent.
The act serves as a public “listening exercise,” allowing her to meet with parishioners, school children, and ecumenical leaders across the South East before she takes on her national and global responsibilities.
A Focus on Healing and Service
Coming from a nursing background, the Archbishop-designate has often spoken of the Church as a place for “healing and hope.”
Her pilgrimage includes stops at various shrines and hospitals, emphasising a ministry that seeks to address both the spiritual and social needs of a modern United Kingdom.
Where Does the 87-Mile “Becket Camino” Route Go?
The pilgrimage follows a path steeped in the legend of Thomas Becket, the martyr whose shrine made Canterbury the most famous pilgrimage site in medieval Europe.
Leg 1: The London Gateway (Tuesday – Wednesday)
The journey began at St Paul’s Cathedral, moving through the heart of the City of London to Southwark Cathedral. From here, the route follows the Thames Path toward Greenwich and Lesnes Abbey in Abbey Wood, a site historically linked to Becket’s own penance.
Leg 2: Through the Garden of England (Thursday – Friday)
As the route enters Kent, the Archbishop will stop at Rochester Cathedral, the second-oldest see in England. Key spiritual stops include:
- Aylesford Priory: A Carmelite house of prayer with deep medieval roots.
- The Shrine of St Jude, Faversham: A significant ecumenical site for modern pilgrims.
Leg 3: The Final Approach (Saturday – Sunday)
The final stretch takes the group through the village of Chartham. On Sunday, 22 March, the Dean of Canterbury, David Monteith, will join Dame Sarah to walk the final three miles into the city, arriving at the Cathedral in time for the 5:30 PM Evensong service.
Who is Representing the Royal Family at the Enthronement?
The relationship between the Monarchy and the Church of England is a central pillar of the UK constitution.
While His Majesty King Charles III is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, it has been confirmed that the Prince of Wales will represent the King at the installation on 25 March.
This high-profile attendance by Prince William and the Princess of Wales underscores the state’s recognition of this historic “first” for the Church.
The Royal couple recently hosted Dame Sarah at Lambeth Palace, where they discussed the vital role local churches play in supporting UK communities, a topic close to the Princess of Wales’s work with the Royal Foundation.
How Does the Enthronement Impact the Public and Local Travel?
The week of 22–25 March will see a significant increase in activity across East Kent, particularly in the city of Canterbury.
- Transport & Rail: Southeastern has warned that services to Canterbury West and Canterbury East will be exceptionally busy on Wednesday, 25 March.
- Local Businesses: The Canterbury BID (Business Improvement District) anticipates a boost to the local economy, with hotels and restaurants reporting peak bookings for the “Enthronement Week.”
- Community Involvement: Over 20 schools are using a “Pilgrim’s Passport” designed by pupils from Ospringe Church of England Primary School, allowing children to engage with the Archbishop’s journey digitally and in person.
FAQ: Dame Sarah Mullally’s Pilgrimage and Installation
When is the new Archbishop of Canterbury being enthroned?
The formal installation ceremony takes place on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation.
Why is Dame Sarah Mullally walking to Canterbury?
She is walking as an act of spiritual preparation and humility, following the ancient tradition of pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket. It allows her to meet local communities across London and Kent before starting her public ministry.
Is she the first woman to lead the Church of England?
Yes. Dame Sarah Mullally is the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the position since the See was established in 597 AD.
