Expert: Joseph Logue - 7/24/2009

Question
Why do English monarchs after Henry VIII have the title Defender of the Faith when they are no longer defending the Roman Catholic faith as Henry did (before he split with the pope)?

Answer
Hello Terry,

This is another excellent example of how well the Tudors knew how to turn everything to their advantage.  It is true, as you say, that even after the split from Rome, Henry continued using "Defender of the Faith" as his motto (as has every British monarch since, up to Elizabeth II).  It was because of the schism with Rome that Henry liked using the title:  it conferred a certain legitimacy to his actions and policies.  Thereafter, "the Faith" became the Church of England, regardless of Pope Clement VII's intention -- who was to complain?  The pope and English cardinals' standing at court would never be lower, and it was the personal power that Henry possessed that allowed him to do pretty much as he pleased in these matters.  Henry was also the first monarch to be addressed as Your Majesty.

It was Henry's son, Edward VI, who took the title most seriously perhaps.  He really was devout and his religious fervor was not a matter of expedience as it was for Henry and possibly of Elizabeth I.  To this young king, the Faith was the incipient Church of England.  The Roman Catholicism of his forebears and sister Mary was antithetical to everything he believed in.

Sincerely,

Joseph Logue