The beginning of this month marked a significant development for the British royal family. Prince Harry arrived in London to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. During his visit, his brother, Prince William, received a notable new honor from King Charles. Although the timing appeared coincidental, many perceived it as a major snub to Prince Harry. The Palace announced that King Charles III has appointed Prince William as the colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps.
His Majesty the King will officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. In August 2023, following His Majesty’s Accession, the King was pleased to announce military appointments, including the Prince of Wales becoming Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. This role was previously held by His Majesty the King, as Prince of Wales, for 31 years
William’s new role places him in charge of Harry’s former unit. In 2008, Harry completed his Army Air Corps “Grading” and Pilot’s Selection Board interview, subsequently training as an Army Air Corps pilot in 2009. “Upon successful completion of the Army Pilots Course, Prince Harry was selected to train on the Apache Attack Helicopter,” Harry’s official biography, before it was removed from the official royal family website, read. “On the same day, it was announced that Prince Harry received his provisional wings from his father.” At the time, Charles was colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps, making the ceremony particularly meaningful for Harry.
The announcement of Prince William’s new designation comes at a time of heightened public interest, driven in part by the strained relationship between Prince Harry and his father. Speculation about their interactions, or lack thereof, during Prince Harry’s recent visit to the U.K. highlights the complexities of royal relationships. During Harry’s recent visit, he and his father, King Charles, did not meet due to the king’s “full programme.” However, Prince Harry stated that he “hopes to see him soon.”
Despite his strained relationships with members of the Firm, Harry expressed his happiness about returning to the UK. He described the party as “amazing” and praised Scotty’s for their incredible and necessary support for children.
“The more opportunities you have to do these kinds of events, the more families and kids become aware of this place, which is really the most important thing,” Harry said, according to the BBC. Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.