King Charles gives Prince William key military role: A move being seen as a big blow to Prince Harry

As monarch, it is King Charles’ job to hand out new titles and appoint new roles to his family members. When he ascended the throne, King Charles passed down the title of Prince of Wales to his eldest son, Prince William.

His Majesty also honoured his late father’s wishes and appointed his brother, Prince Edward as the new Duke of Edinburgh. Several members of the Royal Family have seen an increase in work since King Charles ascended the throne.

It has been reported that King Charles has appointed Prince William a new role, and it may be a blow to Prince Harry as he has connections to said role. Here’s everything we know.

King Charles appoints Prince William colonel-in-chief

King Charles has appointed his eldest son, Prince William, as the new colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps. A move that has been seen as a blow to His Majesty’s youngest son, Prince Harry, who toured with the regiment in Afghanistan.

King Charles held the ceremonial title for 31 years and it was assumed that he would pass the title to Prince Harry considering his background. Prince Harry has often talked about his time with the Army Air Corps and as per Royal author and commentator, Tom Quinn, it was a ‘rare happy time’ in Harry’s life, therefore, it would have made sense to pass the title to him.

However, things changed when Harry stepped down as a working royal in 2020 with his wife, Meghan Markle. Indeed, when Prince Harry left the Firm, several of his titles were taken from him and one of his military titles was even given to Princess Anne. One of the few titles Prince Harry kept was the Duke of Sussex.

Did King Charles 'snub' Prince Harry with this move?

Some media outlets are treating this announcement as a 'snub' to Prince Harry. However, given the fact that he is no longer a working royal, it is quite likely that the royal would have never received the title in the first place.

That being said, even if the decision was not a deliberate 'snub', the timing of the announcement has also been seen as a blow to Prince Harry.

Is King Charles sending a message to Prince Harry?

It is interesting to analyse the timing of King Charles’ announcement. As many know, Prince Harry was in the UK this week (May 6) for the Invictus Games, a yearly sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women.

Despite his return to the UK, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex announced that he would not be visiting his father as His Majesty didn’t have time for him.

It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program. The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.

Moreover, according to former BBC Royal correspondent Michael Cole, King Charles is sending a message to Prince Harry by appointing Prince William as colonel-in-chief—he is ‘not welcome’ for the time being.

As per Tatler, Michael Cole said:

The Prodigal Son is not welcome - not for the present, anyway. In royal terms, this is big medicine. Prince Harry is bound to see it for what it is, the clearest possible indication of the hurt that has been caused.

As reported by Mirror, the announcement left Prince Harry ‘in tears’—however this allegation has not been verified.

Royal author and commentator, Tom Quinn, has claimed that it was a ‘kick in the teeth’ for the Duke of Sussex as a title that should have gone to him has gone to his brother—the one he sees as ‘the cause of so many of his problems’.

Tom Quinn adds that Prince Harry has always ‘hated being the spare’ and to have the title that was destined for him passed to his brother, who is now being described as ‘his nemesis’, was a tough blow.

Tom Quinn also believes that it was a deliberate play from the Palace to announce Prince William’s new title during Prince Harry’s visit to the UK. He added that Prince Harry needs to come to terms with the fact that if you ‘betray’ your family, there will be consequences.

As per Mirror, he said:

But they have decided the gloves are off and that Harry needs to realise that when you betray the family, you don't just escape the things you hated doing as a working royal. You also lose the things you loved.

Prince Harry requested visit with King Charles months before

Both the announcement and his father's busy schedule are undoubtedly adding to the narrative of a divided Royal Family.

To make matters worse, reports have revealed that Prince Harry had requested a visit with King Charles ‘over a month before’ his trip to the UK. Royal historian and friend of the Firm Hugo Vickers explained that if His Majesty had ‘wanted to see’ his son, he would ‘find time very easily’, adding that no one is ‘too busy’ for their son.

However, according to Express, the real reason King Charles didn’t meet up with his son has nothing to do with full schedules. Sources allegedly claimed that His Majesty requested that his wife, Queen Camilla must be present during the visit.

In the end not only did King Charles not meet up with his son, but he nor other members of the Royal Family attended the Thanksgiving service on May 8 for the Invictus Games. People has reported that Prince Harry did send out invitations to 'royal family members'.

Indeed, King Charles attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace on the same day.

Read more:

⋙ Duke of Kent steps down as Colonel of the Scots Guards, gives major role to Prince Edward

⋙ Kate Middleton: She makes history as first member of the Firm to be appointed a Royal Companion

⋙ Prince Harry: Experts claim the Duke could need King Charles’ help to stay in the US

Sources used:

Express: ‘Real reason Prince Harry won't meet King Charles laid bare - and it's not a diary clash’

Tatler: ‘A royal snub for Prince Harry? King Charles will make Prince William Colonel in Chief of the Duke's old regiment at a poignant joint ceremony next week’

Express: ‘Prince Harry asked King Charles for meeting 'over a month before UK trip'

Mirror: ‘Prince Harry delivered 'kick in teeth' as Charles times 'hurtful' announcement for maximum impact’

Mirror: ‘Prince Harry's surprising 'nemesis' and brutal way Charles is 'setting him adrift - permanently'