King Charles loses historic ‘Defender of the Faith’ title

King Charles III’s official job description has been updated in a royal report, replacing the historic ‘Defender of the Faith’ with a pledge to protect the space for faith within a ‘multi-faith nation.’ This change echoes Charles’s long-held desire to represent all religions and follows a period of debate regarding his religious messaging, including a Ramadan greeting that drew criticism for not being paired with a personal Easter message.

• King Charles III’s official title has been updated from ‘Defender of the Faith’ to protecting the space for faith in a ‘multi-faith nation.’
• The change reflects Charles’s previous statements as Prince of Wales, where he expressed a desire to be a ‘defender of faith’ for all religions.
• The new wording appears in the Sovereign Grant report for 2025-2026, though the old title remains on the royal family website.
• This adjustment follows controversy over Charles’s religious messaging, particularly a Ramadan greeting not being matched by a personal Easter address.
• Public support for the monarchy has seen a decline, reaching its lowest figure in decades.