Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, and also Chaplain to the Queen, Rev Dr Rose Hudson-Wilkin has been announced as the new Bishop of Dover.
Jamaican-born Hudson-Wilkin was praised by Archbishop of Canterbury Rev Justin Welby, who was "absolutely delighted" by the appointment.
One of the most influential and effective ministers through her long service as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Dr Hudson-Wilkin led prayers at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding in May last year.
John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, said: “Rose is one of the warmest, kindest and most loving people I have ever met, so she will be sorely missed by members across the house, the staff and, especially, by me.
“She has an unfailing sense of duty and an ability – more than she would herself ever know – to bring comfort in times of tragedy. Furthermore, her steely resolve when confronted with loss and evil, following the death of our dear colleague Jo Cox, and in the wake of the Westminster Bridge attack, was plain for all to see. Both in the celebration of happiness and in condolence and prayer, she has the most reassuring, fortifying presence anyone could want.”
Rev Dr Hudson-Wilkin was also honoured recently at the Victoria Mutual Women of Purpose awards.
Rose will be consecrated in November, and succeeds the Rt Rev Trevor Willmott, who retired from the role in May.