Forget a five-minute handshake. The installation is a massive service at Canterbury Cathedral. It usually happens a few months after the Archbishop is officially chosen. The last one, for Justin Welby in 2013, took place on March 21st. That’s a full three months after his confirmation—talk about delaying the party.
Why the wait? The Archbishop needs time to say goodbye to his old job. Plus, the Cathedral needs to dust off the golden throne and polish the ancient silver. It’s like planning a royal wedding, but with more incense and fewer hats.
The Date is a Moving Target
Here’s the kicker: the date isn’t fixed until the previous Archbishop officially steps down. It’s like a game of musical chairs with a mitre. If the old boss retires suddenly, the installation can happen faster, but usually, it’s a slow, deliberate shuffle.
Look for the announcement on the official Church of England website. They’ll give you a specific day, usually a Tuesday or Thursday. Why those days? Because centuries of tradition say so. And nobody argues with a 900-year-old habit.
