❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

How to watch the Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury

The historic event takes place today.

The Archbishop of Canterbury smiling ahead as she poses for a photo.

Lambeth Palace Comms Team

Published: Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 8:00 am

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 weeks for £10, including the Christmas double issue

The BBC will broadcast the historic Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury live today, marking the symbolic start of the Archbishop's public ministry in the Church of England and Anglican Communion.

Ad

Audiences will be able to follow the ceremony live on BBC One and iPlayer as Archbishop Sarah makes history as the first woman to hold the position of the most senior bishop in the Church of England, and to be the ceremonial leader of the global Anglican Communion.

Daisy Scalchi, the BBC's head of religion and ethics said: "The BBC will ensure that everyone across the UK will be able to join this historic ceremony and witness the Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury and the first ever woman in this position.

"The BBC is committed to a range of religious programming - recognising the vital role religion, faith and beliefs play in bringing people together and helping people to understand the beliefs of others."

Read on to find out more on when the historic event will be taking place.

When is the Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury?

The historic Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury will take place on Wednesday 25 March at Canterbury Cathedral.

The Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Archbishop of Canterbury. BBC/Neil Turner

What time is the Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury on TV?

The Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury will be broadcast live at 2:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

During the broadcast, the Archbishop will swear an oath of obedience and deliver her first sermon in front of an expected congregation of 2,000 invited guests, including clergy from across the UK and the world, various faith communities, senior politicians, friends and family.

As part of the broadcast, the Archbishop will speak exclusively to Paddy O'Connell and reflect on the challenges ahead.

The Installation of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury takes place on Wednesday 25 March at 2:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

Ad

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Katelyn Mensah, smiling against a lime green background.

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.

Ad

Ad

Get the Christmas double issue

Too much to watch at Christmas? Let Radio Times do the choosing to find something the whole family will enjoy.

Subscribe by 3 Dec

Loading...

Ad

Loading...