Catholics in the UK have been ‘second-class citizens’ since the English Reformation.
That said, there were several connections to Catholicism during the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II which people may have overlooked!
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a sublime example of Catholic religious architecture.
There was a small community of monks at the site from ~785 AD. The monastery of Benedictine monks was enlarged by St. Dunstan about 960 AD. The first church, built by St. Edward the Confessor, was consecrated in 1065 AD. Then in 1245, Henry III (Catholic), built the present abbey church in the Gothic style of the period. He retained the original nave and the abbey was dedicated in 1269.
About 3000 people are buried in the Cathedral, including the poor soul in the title photo above who was found during the excavation of an old toilet/washroom.
During the English Reformation, Henry VIII cleverly sidestepped the destruction of the abbey by taking direct control of it in 1539 and then granting cathedral status in 1540. The abbey was briefly returned to the Benedictines under Mary I of England (Catholic) but they were booted again by Elizabeth I!
This stolen Catholic building is central to the British monarchy: 39 monarchs have been crowned & several buried, there.
An Ecumenical Funeral
Cardinal Nichols was one of a number of non-Anglican Christian leaders who lead the congregation in prayer for the queen during the state funeral in Westminster Abbey. This is the first time in hundreds of years that a Catholic bishop/cardinal has taken part in a royal funeral: an indication of the openness of Queen Elizabeth II to ecumenical dialogue.
A Catholic Earl Marshal
The current earl marshal is the 18th Duke of Norfolk, Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 65, who inherited the title when his father died in 2002.
The position of earl marshal is traditionally held by the highest-ranking duke in England, which is the Duke of Norfolk. All past and present dukes of Norfolk are descended from (Catholic) Edward I. The Duke is regarded as the most senior lay member of the Roman Catholic church in Britain.
Earl Marshal is hereditary role with several responsibilities including the state opening of parliament; the state funeral of sovereigns and the accession / coronations of new monarchs.
Duke of Norfolk on the right (photo: The Guardian)
The Succession to the Crown Act (2013)
Till recently, British royalty were allowed to marry a Muslim, Jew or Hindu, but not a Catholic! That was barred by the Act of Settlement 1701. Since the Succession to the Crown Act (2013) a member of the Royal Family, now may marry a Catholic and stay in line to the throne! Prince George is the first royal to benefit from this new rule.
The Act of Settlement 1701 still excludes a Catholic from becoming monarch. Obviously they must take an oath as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, but there are elements of religious bias even still.
Princess Charlotte & Prince George
Other Catholics in attendance
Catholic religious representatives included Archbishop Leo Cushley of St. Andrews and Edinburgh representing Scottish Catholics; Archbishop Mark O’Toole of Cardiff, Wales; and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, representing Pope Francis.
Buckingham Palace invited 10 Australians who have made “extraordinary contributions to their communities, and who represent Australian culture and values.” Two Catholics were in the Oz delgation: Dr Ungunmerr Baumann AM is a Catholic Aboriginal elder, artist and activist who established the Miriam Rose Foundation. And, Mr Abdallah, a Maronite Catholic, founded the i4Give Foundation.
Dr Ungunmerr Baumann / Mr Abdallah (photo: CathNews.com)
There were several other prominent Catholics amongst the 2000 guests including Carrie Johnson, wife of Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister and nominal Catholics like pro-abortion Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada and Joe Biden, President of the US. (Link to my article on Biden receiving communion: “Sinners, Penitents and the Holy Eucharist.” https://www.catholicarena.com/latest/2021/7/6/kl7si8ocz1uoi23mi0kp84mdhzgyf3)