King Charles III gives military title to Prince William instead of Prince Harry

Prince William has been given a new title, and it’s raising some eyebrows. Earlier this week, King Charles III announced that his eldest son would take on the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. This appointment is striking because it was Prince Harry, not William, who actually served with the unit in Afghanistan.

The Independent reports that the role, which King Charles held for over three decades, might have gone to Harry if he hadn’t stepped down from his royal duties. Both brothers are trained military pilots, but it was Harry who spent his second tour in Afghanistan serving with the Army Air Corps.

Prince William, on the other hand, did not engage in active combat during his military career. He served as a search and rescue pilot with the Royal Air Force and later as a pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Despite his distinguished service, the appointment to a position traditionally associated with active military service has sparked discussions about the fairness and symbolism behind this royal reshuffling.

As the British royal family continues to navigate the dynamics of duty and tradition, this latest move serves as a reminder of the complex roles and expectations placed on its members, as well as the evolving nature of their public image.

“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 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,” Kensington Palace said in a statement.

The announcement came the same day Harry arrived in the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

After much speculation, a spokesperson for the duke confirmed Harry wouldn’t be meeting with his father due to the king’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.”

The last time the two saw each other was in February when Harry rushed to the UK to be by his father’s side for a reported 45 minutes after learning of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.

Do you think the role would have gone to Harry had he not stepped down? Let us know what you think in the comments.