A Royal Transition
In a significant royal transition, King Charles III has reportedly bestowed a military title reserved for Prince Harry to Prince William, signaling a notable shift in royal appointments. The move designates Prince William, the eldest son and heir to the throne, as the next colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps, despite Prince Harry’s previous tenure with the unit during his service in Afghanistan.
The Handover
According to The Independent, Prince Harry would have retained the military appointment if he had not chosen to step back from royal family duties and relocate to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle, in 2020. The official statement from Buckingham Palace confirmed the transfer of the role, stating, “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.”
A Historic Announcement
The announcement came in August 2023, following King Charles III’s accession to the throne. It marked a significant moment in royal history, as the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps had been held by the King himself, in his capacity as Prince of Wales, for 31 years.
Absence Amidst Commemoration
Coinciding with this news are reports that Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, will not have an audience with his father during his visit to the UK for the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games. This sporting event initiative, founded by Prince Harry, aims to honor wounded veterans and servicemen.
The appointment of Prince William as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps signifies a notable shift within the royal family. As the future king, Prince William’s new role underscores his increasing responsibilities and commitments to the monarchy. While this decision marks a departure from tradition, it reflects the evolving dynamics within the royal household.
