Dame Sarah Mullally has revealed that her discussions with King Charles since becoming Archbishop of Canterbury have been "encouraging" as she assumes the Church of England's most senior ministry position.
The monarch, who serves as the technical head of the Church, has shown himself to be "a great supporter" of the institution, according to Dame Sarah.
She noted that King Charles was eager to learn about her plans for the Church's future direction.
"He is a great supporter of the Church of England, and, you know, we share the desire to see a Church that is confident and one that speaks to the Christian hope," Dame Sarah said.
The newly-confirmed Archbishop was photographed in conversation with the King on Sunday following her sermon at a service held on the Sandringham estate.
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When asked whether the King had shared his own views on the Church's direction, Dame Sarah explained that he was interested in understanding her vision, much as many others have been.
She told the monarch that her priority is to serve as a shepherd, caring for parishioners and supporting clergy in their work.
"I shared with the King that I hope to be the shepherd, to care for people in their parishes, for our clergy, to support them, to enable them to do what they can do, but also to speak of the Christian hope, not just within the Church and the Anglican Communion, but also into the world and providing hospitality at a time where there's a lot of challenges for people," she said.
The newly-confirmed Archbishop was photographed in conversation with the King on Sunday following her sermon at a service held on the Sandringham estate.
Dame Sarah Mullally has revealed that her discussions with King Charles since becoming Archbishop of Canterbury have been "encouraging" as she assumes the Church of England's most senior ministry position.
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Today's ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral, where Dame Sarah formally assumed her position, did not include any royal representation.
However, a member of the Royal Family is anticipated to attend her enthronement at Canterbury Cathedral in March.
Before that ceremony takes place, Dame Sarah will meet the King in person to pay homage, a traditional requirement of the role.
This meeting will occur in the period between now and her March enthronement.
Dame Sarah, who has made history as the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury, acknowledged feeling the considerable responsibility of her new position.
Dame Sarah, who has made history as the first woman to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury, acknowledged feeling the considerable responsibility of her new position.
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Beyond leading the Church of England, she now heads the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Despite this burden, she expressed optimism about the path ahead.
"There's a sense of the weight of office that I feel," she said.
"But I've also been very conscious of the huge support that I've had from people either writing or emails or passing in the street."
The Archbishop added that she feels "really encouraged" and hopeful, pointing to the "wonderful things happening" across churches and chaplaincies.
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