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King Charles is set to join Prince William in a significant Royal event on Monday, where he will pass on the mantle of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to the Prince of Wales.
The announcement made today signals yet another setback for Prince Harry, hot on the heels of what has been perceived as a “snub” from his father earlier this week, as the two did not meet during Harry’s time in the UK.
Buckingham Palace released a statement today confirming: “At the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, 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.”
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The statement further detailed: “In August 2023, following His Majesty’s Accession, The King was pleased to announce military appointments including that The Prince of Wales would become Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The role was previously held by His Majesty The King, as Prince of Wales, for 31 years.”
This key engagement in Hampshire is now locked in for Monday, coming several weeks after the monarch resumed his Royal responsibilities post his cancer treatment, reports the Mirror.
Commenting on the absence of a meeting between Charles and Harry this week, Royal commentator Michael Cole remarked: “It is quite a snub. For the King to not see his younger son, Prince Harry, although the two men will be only two miles apart tomorrow afternoon, gives an indication of the depth of the divide.”
“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.”
Prince Harry’s Invictus Games event was a mere three miles away from where his father, Prince Charles, was hosting a garden party at Clarence House. A spokesperson for Harry stated that a meeting between the two was impossible due to Charles’ “full schedule”.
The spokesperson further clarified: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme. The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
Instead of meeting his father, as confirmed by Harry’s foundation Archewell, the Duke met with city financier Guy Monson. Monson, the chief investment officer of Sarasin and Partners, an £18billion London-based investment fund, was present when Harry and his brother William unveiled a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, at Kensington Palace in 2021. This marked the last solo engagement the brothers attended together.
