On 28 January 2026, The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, undertook an important role as a King’s Commissioner during the Archbishop of Canterbury's Confirmation of Election at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Election is a formal legal ceremony where the King's Commissioners confirm the election by the College of Canons, officially making the Archbishop-elect the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally paid homage to the King (as Supreme Governor) and received the restoration of temporality (rights of office) before her installation at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.
After this confirmation, Dame Sarah officially became the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Bishop Libby said, “It is an honour to have been invited to undertake this role as part of the Confirmation of Election. I am delighted to support Archbishop Sarah as she takes up her new ministry. It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with her over many years, and to serve with her now as Archbishop. Please join me in praying for Sarah, and her family, as she begins her new role, leading the Diocese of Canterbury, Church of England and the Anglican Communion”.
