UK Citizenship Practice Test

The head of the Church of England is the Monarch. This distinction arises from the historical establishment of the Church of England, which was created during the Reformation in the 16th century under King Henry VIII, who rejected the authority of the Pope. As the Sovereign, the Monarch has a ceremonial role in the Church, serving as its Supreme Governor. This position binds the institution to the state and reflects the unique relationship between the Church and the British monarchy.

While the Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church and performs crucial functions such as presiding over ecclesiastical matters and ceremonies, the official head remains the Monarch. The role of the Prime Minister pertains to government responsibilities and does not include religious leadership. The Bishop of London, while an important figure in the Church hierarchy, also does not hold the title of head of the Church of England.