Kate Middleton confirmed ahead of royal wedding, Clarence House reveals
Spokesman says future princess became full member of Church of England in private service at St James's Palace
Prince William and Kate Middleton: a royal spokesman said she had decided to be confirmed as part of her marriage preparations. Photograph: Samir Hussein/WireImage
She probably didn't need to do it, but when one is about to marry a chap who will one day become Defender of the Faith, it is probably just as well to tick all the boxes: Clarence House has announced that Kate Middletonwas confirmed last month by the bishop of London into full membership of the Church of England.
Middleton's confirmation at a private service – she had already been christened into the CofE as a child – serves to dot the Is and cross the Ts of her allegiance to an institution in which she will inevitably spend a lot of time in coming years, especially when Prince William eventually becomes its supreme governor.
A royal spokesman said: "Catherine Middleton was confirmed by the bishop of London at a private service at St James's Palace attended by her family and Prince William. Miss Middleton, who was already baptised, decided to be confirmed as part of her marriage preparations."
It also, perhaps, serves the useful purpose of preventing any unpleasantness in due course over the succession by proving beyond doubt that she does not fall foul of the 1701 Act of Settlement that bars Roman Catholics – though not members of other religions not considered so subversive in the 18th century – from marrying heirs to the throne. Nevertheless, the move left the Church of England's own spokesmen scratching their heads about the doctrinal implications. "Confirmation is a formal recognition of full membership of the Church of England, but we're not really a membership organisation," said one.
The Rt Rev Richard Chartres, the bishop of London, the cleric closest to the royal family who will preach at the wedding in a fortnight, also confirmed Prince William, in 1997 at St George's Chapel, Windsor.
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