The answer is likely no, not without abdicating the throne.
While societal attitudes have evolved, and same-sex marriage is legal in the UK, the monarch's role is intertwined with the Church of England. The Church of England currently doesn't perform same-sex marriages.
Here's a breakdown:
- Current Legal Status: Same-sex marriage is legal in England.
- Monarch's Role: The monarch is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
- Church's Position: The Church of England's official stance is complex, but it does not currently perform same-sex marriages. Clergy are permitted to bless same-sex marriages but not conduct them.
- Potential Conflict: If the King were to marry a man, it would create a significant conflict between his personal life and his role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
- Abdication as an Option: To marry a man, the King would most likely have to abdicate the throne. This would allow his heir to become monarch and potentially avoid the constitutional crisis.
Therefore, while legally possible in the general sense, it is highly improbable and practically impossible for the current King, given his position, without abdicating.
