King Charles Appoints Prince William to Military Role Linked to Prince Harry in Controversial Move

THE PRINCE OF WALES IS NOW THE COLONEL-IN-CHIEF OF HIS BROTHER PRINCE HARRY’S FORMER REGIMENT

King Charles has appointed Prince William to a military position with close ties to Prince Harry.
On Monday, May 13, King Charles bestowed the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps upon his eldest son in a military ceremony at the Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire. In his new role, William, 41, is now the leader of his brother Prince Harry’s former regiment. Harry, 39, trained as an Army Air Corps pilot in 2009, before serving with the Corps during his second tour in Afghanistan up until 2014.

The appointment has sparked controversy as the title was widely thought to have been intended for Harry. The timing of the ceremony announcement, made last week, also raised eyebrows, coinciding with Harry’s return to the U.K. for a brief visit to attend the Invictus Games Foundation’s 10th-anniversary celebration at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8.
PEOPLE understands Harry extended invites to his father, brother and sister-in-law Kate Middleton. However, none of the senior members of the royal family attended the celebration.
Princess Kate, 42, has not returned to royal duties after announcing her cancer diagnosis, and is still undergoing treatments. Meanwhile, William conducted investitures at Windsor Castle on the day of the service. A few miles away, Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the first garden party of the season at Buckingham Palace.
A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex previously confirmed the prince would not see his father during his time in the U.K. “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program,” the spokesperson said. “The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”