The couple are attending purely as members of the congregation and have no formal role in the proceedings

Dame Sarah Mullally is today being installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, becoming the first woman to lead the Church of England in its 1,400-year history.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are present at Canterbury Cathedral for the historic ceremony, having previously met with Dame Sarah at Lambeth Palace on February 5.

The installation, traditionally referred to as an enthronement, represents the formal beginning of her public ministry as Archbishop.

Every previous holder of the position since St Augustine in 597 AD has been male, with women only permitted to become priests in the Church of England from 1994.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are present at Canterbury Cathedral for the historic ceremony, having previously met with Dame Sarah at Lambeth Palace on February 5.

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Upon their arrival at the cathedral in Kent, the royal couple were greeted by Lady Colgrain, the Lord Lieutenant, who introduced them to the Very Reverend Dr David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury.

William and Catherine then walked through the Nave before taking their places in the Quire.

The couple are attending purely as members of the congregation and have no formal role in the proceedings.

Approximately 2,000 guests are present for the service, including nurses and carers from Canterbury who were invited to honour Dame Sarah’s extensive nursing career.

Upon their arrival at the cathedral in Kent, the royal couple were greeted by Lady Colgrain, the Lord Lieutenant, who introduced them to the Very Reverend Dr David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury.

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Despite a fatal meningitis outbreak affecting the city, organisers determined that no alterations to the planned events were required.

Speaking to the BBC, Dame Sarah acknowledged the weight of her appointment while paying tribute to those who helped her reach this point.

She said: “Once I try and get my head around being the archbishop, I recognise the significance of being the first female archbishop, but I am also aware of the women who have supported me in my ministry.”

The Archbishop described the afternoon’s service as “something about celebrating women”, whilst also noting the support she had received from men throughout her career.

She added: “But [it’s] also being able to say to other people, in a sense, it’s entirely possible for you to follow your dreams and what you want to do.”

Approximately 2,000 guests are present for the service, including nurses and carers from Canterbury who were invited to honour Dame Sarah’s extensive nursing career.

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Dame Sarah told the BBC on Tuesday that the ceremony would feature “women’s voices right the way through it”.

Dame Sarah’s path to the highest office in the Church of England began with a nursing career that started in 1980.

By 1999, she had risen to become England’s youngest ever chief nursing officer, a position she still held when she was ordained as a priest in 2002.

Her appointment as the first female Bishop of London came in 2018, paving the way for her elevation to Archbishop.

In preparation for today’s installation, Dame Sarah undertook a pilgrimage covering nearly 90 miles over six days, walking from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral.