WE sent former altar boy EDWARD DAVIE, son of a Church of England priest and grandson of a bishop, back to his ecclesiastical roots - to congratulate Dr Rowan Williams on being appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury designate, and to chat to Dr Williams' wife, Jane.

WHEN you're six years old and your family is moving into a palace, you may be forgiven for thinking you've become royalty.

And that's just what little Pip Williams thought when he was told that his father, Dr Rowan Williams, will be moving to Lambeth Palace, London, as the Archbishop of Canterbury designate.

The Archbishop of Wales' wife, Jane, told the Argus how, when they told their six-year-old son of the move, he said: "I'm going to be a prince."

Lambeth Palace, situated on the south bank of the Thames, is a neo-Gothic building which has been owned by the Church since around 1200.

As well as family rooms, it boasts one of the UK's biggest public libraries and an impressive 13th- century crypt.

The excitement Pip feels about the impending move is one of a number of emotions the family are going through - including pride in Dr Williams' achievement and sadness at leaving Newport, their home of ten years.

Mrs Williams, who currently teaches theology at Trinity College, Bristol, said: "I have very mixed feelings about the move.

"Obviously the whole family are very proud of Rowan and will do everything to support him in his important new role, but we will also miss our lives here in Wales.

"Pip is very excited and thinks that because we are going to be living in Lambeth Palace, that he will be a prince."

Dr Williams will be enthroned as the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury early in 2003. The couple, Pip, and their daughter, Rhiannon, 14, are due to make the move into Lambeth Palace in the autumn.

We revealed yesterday how Dr Williams, too, will miss Gwent. Dr Williams said: "Leaving Wales is going to be very hard indeed. "My message to the people of Gwent is one of immense gratitude. "I have had ten wonderful years where their vigour, spirit and warmth have delighted me."

PICTURED: Dr Rowan Williams with son Pip.