The Archbishop of Canterbury says he is ”deeply saddened” to be forced to miss the Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee after contracting Covid.
The Most Revd Justin Welby developed mild pneumonia last week and a test just days before the Service revealed he was also suffering from coronavirus.
The Archbishop said ”’I am deeply saddened to be missing the historic celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. However, I will be praying for The Queen and giving thanks for her extraordinary seventy years of service to us all. I will also be praying for our nation at this time of celebration and thanksgiving. May The Queen’s example bring us together in unity and care for one another.”
The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, will now preach the sermon at the Service of Thanksgiving which takes place on June 3 at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Archbishop of Canterbury was also due to light a beacon at Lambeth Palace on the evening of June 2 as part of the chain celebrating the Jubilee. It was confirmed that the beacon will now be lit on his behalf.
The Service of Thanksgiving will be attended by the whole Royal Family who will join a congregation of several thousand to mark The Queen’s long reign.
