The saga of Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has taken yet another cringe-worthy turn.
Once seen as the moral compass of the Church of England, Welby now finds himself tangled in the web spun by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
This latest chapter in their ongoing drama has left many shaking their heads in disbelief.
Back in May 2018, Welby was given the honor of officiating the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Typically, such a role would be marked by solemnity and dignity.
However, when it comes to Harry and Meghan, nothing ever seems straightforward.
Their wedding quickly transformed from a simple ceremony into a grand spectacle, and Welby found himself deeply embroiled in the chaos.
In the months preceding the wedding, instead of maintaining a neutral stance, Welby spent increasing amounts of time with the couple.
Soon, he wasn’t just signing the wedding certificate; he had become a close confidant.
It’s hard to imagine what they discussed—perhaps their shared experiences of fame and misunderstanding?
Whatever it was, it clearly drew Welby into their world of confusion and self-absorption.
As time passed, Welby’s support for the Sussexes grew more apparent.
In 2019, he made headlines for praising Meghan, calling her a person of “profound humanity.” This public display of admiration raised eyebrows, especially considering the couple’s ongoing criticism of the institution that had given them so much.
His dedication to the Sussexes didn’t stop there.
That same year, he skipped a critical meeting of the Church of England to officiate the christening of their son, Archie.
Meanwhile, senior clerics were left bewildered, questioning whether the Sussexes understood their responsibilities or simply expected the world to cater to their desires.
Welby’s alignment with the couple only intensified.
He openly criticized the Royal Family’s expectations, arguing that Harry and Meghan deserved a break because they were “just regular people.” This perspective painted the Sussexes as victims of an unforgiving system, further blurring the lines between his role as a spiritual leader and their personal advocate.
Fast forward to 2021, and the Sussexes launched their Netflix documentary, taking aim at the British Royal Family and addressing historical injustices.
Welby, still firmly in their corner, began calling for radical reforms within the Church of England, echoing many of the grievances voiced by Harry and Meghan.
The timing of his calls for change seemed all too convenient.
By 2023, reports surfaced indicating that Welby had become completely enchanted by the Sussexes.
However, this fascination came with its own set of complications.
It appears that he was overlooking significant issues in his own life, including troubling ties to a controversial evangelical barrister involved in child abuse, which ultimately led to his resignation.
The connection between Welby’s fall from grace and his association with the Sussexes remains unclear.
Was his loyalty to them a factor in his missteps, or were they merely coincidental?
What’s evident is that this series of blunders has tarnished his reputation significantly.
Once a figure of stability within the Church of England, Welby now faces a challenging road ahead.
His involvement with the Sussexes has not only complicated his leadership but also raised questions about his judgment.
The repercussions of these decisions will likely linger for a long time.
In the end, it seems that Justin Welby has indeed been “markled.” As he navigates the fallout from this tumultuous relationship, one can only wonder if he will ever regain the footing he once had as a respected leader in the church.
