'There's always a way forward,' says Welby on rift in royal family

Justin Welby delivering the sermon at the Queen's state funeral. (Photo: BBC)

The Archbishop of Canterbury is optimistic that the royal family and the Sussexes will reconcile in the future. 

Archbishop Justin Welby offered his thoughts about the breakdown in relations during an appearance on BBC's Sundays with Laura Kuenssberg. 

The Archbishop noted that because of his role in officiating at the 2018 wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, he "can't really comment on it". 

"There's sort of pastoral confidentiality," he said. 

He did however say that as a Christian, reconciliation was always possible, although he suggested that the timing had to be right. 

"There's always a way forward, but it has to be at the right time," he said.

"And, as a Christian, I live in the belief that forgiveness comes from God through Jesus Christ and that God, particularly at this time of the year, God breaks into the world to open the way to forgiveness through the Christ channel.

"But the way we welcome that opportunity is different for everyone. And there has to be a right time."

His appearance on Kuenssberg's show came in the same week that the Harry & Meghan docuseries aired on Netflix making a number of stinging claims about members of the royal family.

Prince Harry claimed that his father, King Charles III, lied during Megxit talks and that his brother, Prince William screamed at him in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Some media reports quote unnamed sources as saying that the relationship between the two princes is now beyond repair.

Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have refused to comment on the documentary. 

News
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.

The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 

Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time. 

Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country

The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.