King Charles has faced criticism following a reported change to the wording used to describe the monarch in Buckingham Palace’s latest Sovereign Grant Annual Report.
The King has traditionally held the title “Defender of the Faith.” However, the report reportedly refers to his role as “Protector of the Space for Faith within the Multi-faith Nation.”
The change has drawn a strong response from Gavin Ashenden, a former chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II, who served in the role for nine years.
Speaking to GB News, Ashenden claimed the wording was at odds with the King’s coronation oath, under which the monarch pledged to uphold the Protestant faith and preserve the Church of England.
He accused Charles of moving away from his Christian commitment, saying: “The monarch has deserted Christian allegiance, turned his back on his Coronation oath [and] repudiated the support and promotion of a Christian culture.”
Ashenden also suggested the issue could raise wider questions about the King’s ability to carry out his constitutional role.
“Some are asking whether his behaviour is sufficiently subversive as to raise questions about his capacity to fulfil the office of King,” he said, according to GB News.
Buckingham Palace has not commented publicly on Ashenden’s remarks.
