Fra' Max Rumney, who recently held the title of the 58th Grand Prior of England for the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, has abruptly resigned from his senior role within the centuries-old chivalric institution. The Order of Malta in Great Britain confirmed Rumney's departure, stating he stepped down for "health and personal reasons."
Philippa Leslie, the Order of Malta's director of communications, informed members that Rumney formally submitted his resignation in a letter to the Grand Master of the Order, which has been accepted. The Grand Commander, who serves as Rumney's immediate religious superior, has requested that the Procurator of the Grand Priory of England work with Rumney to determine his future within the Order and his religious life.
Rumney, a Professed Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, was appointed Grand Prior in 2022. The Catholic Herald at the time described him as "tall, gentle" and noted the "fabulous regalia" associated with the Grand Prior's position. His role placed him at the head of a segment of the Order composed of knights who have taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, known as 'Knights of Justice'.
Despite the official reasons given for his resignation, a friend of Rumney's described his departure as having "caused quite a furore" among members, characterizing him as "a very gentle soul, a charming man."
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is one of the oldest chivalric orders in the Roman Catholic Church, traditionally blending social standing with spirituality. Past leaders of the British branch have included figures like the 5th Earl of Gainsborough and Prince Rupert Loewenstein, the financial adviser to the Rolling Stones.