Prince Harry is said to be “in tears” after learning that his older brother has received a new title from their father. Prince William has been granted a new military honor that was previously held by the Duke of Sussex.
Prince Harry seen with his head in his hands during the England vs Australia match at the Rugby World Cup in London, England on October 3, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
In the news related to the British royal family, the Duke of Sussex has reacted to the news of Prince William becoming the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The announcement of Prince William’s new title was initially made by Buckingham Palace. According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, Prince Harry is extremely upset, to put it mildly.
King Charles III and Prince William ahead of the Committal Service for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
“King Charles’ announcement that Prince Harry is being stripped of his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Corps is a real blow for the son who has always felt marginalized,” Richard noted while discussing the matter.
Prince Harry at the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He further elaborated that what makes it even worse for Prince Harry is that the role is being transferred to someone he considers as the “source of so many of his problems – his brother.” The Duke of Sussex is reported “to have broken down in tears when he heard” the news.
Prince Harry during a service for the reception of Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin in London, England on September 14, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Apparently, while the senior royals were aware of the emotional harm they would cause Prince Harry, “they have decided to be tough.”
Continuing to talk about how the royal family views the situation, Richard added, “Harry needs to understand that when you betray the family, you not only get rid of the things you disliked about being a working royal. You also lose the things you cherished.”
Prince William and King Charles III at the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Adding to the pain is the fact that Prince Harry took great pride in being Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. Richard claimed that the Duke is also heartbroken because when he served in the military, it was “a rare happy period in his life” as he was recognized for his achievements “as an individual” rather than as a royal family member.
Prince Harry meeting up with British service personnel following a Remembrance Sunday service at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar, Afghanistan on November 9, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
With the title transfer just a few days away, set to occur on May 13 at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, Prince Harry’s “last remaining connections to his old life are being severed and he is being left adrift, permanently,” as Richard described.
Prince Harry at the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
However, the Duke of Sussex is reportedly fighting back against being pushed aside as he was seen wearing his KCVO Neck Order and Star, which was bestowed upon him by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, at St. Paul’s Cathedral yesterday (May 9).
He was at the cathedral to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The prestigious medal is given to an individual to acknowledge their service to the monarchy and is awarded as part of the Royal Victorian Order.
Prince Harry was seen wearing his KCVO Neck Order and Star at the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Similar to how Richard has speculated about Prince Harry’s reaction to his brother’s new title, royal author Tom Quinn has shared his views on why the prince chose to wear his medal of honor.
“Wearing this was Harry’s way of reminding his family that his grandmother appreciated his contribution […] wearing the medal is Harry’s way of saying ‘You’ve taken everything else from me, but you can’t take this!'” expressed Tom to a news outlet.
Prince Harry was seen wearing his KCVO Neck Order and Star at the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 8, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Although the transfer of the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Corps to his brother during his stay in the U.K. has been a huge shock for Prince Harry, it doesn’t change the fact that his links to the Armed Forces are deep.
Prince Harry gathering with fellow service personnel for a Remembrance Sunday service at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar, Afghanistan on November 9, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry served in the Armed Forces for ten years, undertaking two Afghanistan duty tours with the British Army before ending his operational duties in 2015. In addition to Prince Harry, other members of the royal family “have official associations with many units of the Forces.”
Prince Harry gathered with other British troops for a Remembrance Sunday service at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar, Afghanistan on November 9, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
The official website for the King and Queen of England states that the royal family makes “regular visits” to soldiers, airmen, and sailors who serve both at home and abroad. They have long recognized and supported “the work of the Armed Services.”
Queen Camilla and King Charles III visiting members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards on peacekeeping duties in Banja Luka, Bosnia on March 1, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Regarding Prince William’s new title grant, the timing of the news has led to speculation. Public rumors have been circulating because it is widely known that Prince Harry and his father’s relationship has been strained in recent years.
King Charles III, Prince William and Prince Harry during the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial in London, England on November 11, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
“This is one of the most public family feuds in the world. If it was dealt with privately without so much media speculation, there would be a better chance of resolving it,” Richard asserted while speaking about Prince Harry and King Charles III.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the “International Year of The Reef” 2018 meeting in London, England on February 14, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
The rift between the father and son is so significant that even when Prince Harry was back in the U.K. earlier this week, a meeting between him and the King of England did not take place. This sparked intense reactions from the public.
King Charles III and Prince Harry at the “International Year of The Reef” 2018 meeting in London, England on February 14, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
“In response to the numerous inquiries and ongoing speculation about whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it is unfortunately not possible due to His Majesty’s busy schedule,” announced a spokesperson for Prince Harry.
King Charles III and Prince Harry chatting during the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli event in Gallipoli, Turkey on April 25, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
The statement continued, “The Duke of course understands his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.” According to a media outlet, King Charles III had a hectic schedule as he recently resumed his public royal duties.
King Charles III and Prince Harry ahead of the Committal Service for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The public was shocked and outraged by the news that Prince Harry and King Charles III did not meet during this time, with many expressing disappointment in the King. “That’s absolutely unacceptable. A father should be able to prioritize his son. Whether he’s a king or not!!!” criticized a social media user.
King Charles III and Prince Harry attending a memorial service marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Gallipoli on the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey on April 24, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Similarly, someone else said, “Harry deserves better. Shame on #KingCharles. He treated #PrincessDiana poorly too. #TheWholeWorldIsWatching.” “Shameful… but Prince Harry can sleep well at night. He has reached out many times,” commented another.
King Charles III and Prince Harry having a conversation during the the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games in London, England on September 10, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Another person who felt strongly about the matter stated, “Sadly, his father chooses his position over his family. His father has made it very clear where his love lies. If he really wanted to see his son, he could and would. This entire situation clearly shows that it’s all about him and his ‘control over others.'”
Since working behind the scenes during his cancer diagnosis and treatment, King Charles III held an audience at Buckingham Palace on May 7, where the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, was received. Also occupying the King’s time was the first garden party of the season, which took place at Buckingham Palace on May 8.
King Charles III and the Prime Minister of Fiji Sitiveni Rabuka during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London, England on May 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Like his father, Prince Harry was also occupied. His time in the U.K. was spent on the Invictus Games’ anniversary, which began with a panel on May 7. Then, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Prince Harry gave a reading.