The Archbishop of Canterbury has contrasted the outpouring of emotion for the Queen with pointed comments on how leaders who “cling to power and privileges” will be regarded.

In an address to a congregation packed with world statesmen, current British politicians and former prime ministers, the Most Reverend Justin Welby said “leaders of loving service” would be remembered when others are “long forgotten”.

The Archbishop has had an occasionally frosty relationship with occupants of No 10, particularly Boris Johnson, who was one of the former prime ministers in Westminster Abbey for the Queen’s state funeral.

In his sermon, the Archbishop said: “People of loving service are rare in any walk of life. Leaders of loving service are still rarer.

“But in all cases those who serve will be loved and remembered when those who cling to power and privileges are long forgotten.”

The Archbishop clashed with Mr Johnson on issues such as the policy of sending asylum seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda and his concern about the collapse in standards in public life, illustrated by the partygate scandal.

But the Archbishop, who has been in position since 2013, also had an occasionally strained relationship with Theresa May during her tenure in Downing Street, on subjects such as inequality and welfare reform.

He also criticised David Cameron’s government on subjects including the benefits system and austerity measures.

Alastair Campbell tweeted to say the line had been spoken with "a cheeky look" at where Mr Johnson was sat, whilst another Twitter user suggested the former Prime Minister "will be chuffed he got a mention".

Others said alternative political figures may have been the target, with MSNBC columnist Natasha Norman claiming "the likes of Trump" were being condemned.

Some even went as far as to suggest the Archbishop was referring to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Despite drawing the most attention, the line was 20 words among 500 that the Archbishop spoke while delivering the sermon at the late monarch's State funeral, which he described as "the honour of a lifetime, and among its saddest moments".

The Archbishop read a brief sermon during the service in Westminster Abbey – the same building where Queen Elizabeth II was married and crowned.

He said she touched "a multitude of lives" and kept her promise of a lifetime of service.

"Rarely has such a promise been so well kept," he added. "Few leaders receive the outpouring of love that we have seen.

"The grief of this day – felt not only by the late Queen’s family but all round the nation, Commonwealth and the world – arises from her abundant life and loving service, now gone from us.

"She was joyful, present to so many, touching a multitude of lives."

As well as speaking of the Queen's devout faith, the Archbishop paid tribute to her family, including the new King Charles III.

"We pray especially for all her family, grieving as every family at a funeral - including so many families round the world who have themselves lost someone recently - but in this family’s case doing so in the brightest spotlight," he said.

"May God heal their sorrow, may the gap left in their lives be marked with memories of joy and life.

"Her Late Majesty’s broadcast during Covid lockdown ended with: 'We will meet again', words of hope from a song of Vera Lynn. Christian hope means certain expectation of something not yet seen.

"Christ rose from the dead and offers life to all, abundant life now and life with God in eternity. As the Christmas carol says 'where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in'.

"We will all face the merciful judgement of God: we can all share the Queen’s hope which in life and death inspired her servant leadership.

"Service in life, hope in death. All who follow the Queen’s example, and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say: 'We will meet again.'"