King Charles did not see Prince Harry when his youngest son visited the UK this week, something experts described as a “snub” which is said to have deepened their rift
King Charles will meet Prince William on Monday at a special ceremony to hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to the Prince of Wales.
The engagement has been confirmed today in what is expected to be another huge blow to Prince Harry, following his father’s “snub” this week as the pair did not meet despite Harry’s visit to the UK.
Buckingham Palace announced today: “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.
“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.”
Speaking after Charles did not see Harry this week, royal expert Michael Cole said: “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.”
Harry’s Invictus Games event was just three miles away from where Charles was, at Clarence House for a garden party. Harry’s spokesman had said the pair were unable to meet due to Charles’ “full schedule”.
He added: “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, as the Duke’s foundation Archewell confirmed, Harry met city financier Guy Monson. Monson, chief investment officer of Sarasin and Partners, a London-based £18billion investment fund, was alongside the warring brothers when they unveiled a statue of their mother Princess Diana in 2021 at Kensington Palace. It was Harry and William’s last solo engagement together.
