 Despite this seemingly progressive approach , Lang 's instincts remained conservative . He voted against the 1914 Irish Home Rule Bill and opposed liberalisation of the divorce laws . After playing a prominent role in King George V 's coronation in 1911 , Lang became increasingly close to the Royal Family , an association which drew the comment that he was " more courtier than cleric " . His love of ceremony , and concern for how an archbishop should look and live , began to obscure other aspects of his ministry ; rather than assuming the role of the people 's prelate he began , in the words of his biographer Alan Wilkinson , to act as a " prince of the church " . 
