Prince Harry is reportedly “in tears” after learning that his older brother, Prince William, has received a new title from their father, King Charles. The title, a military honor, used to belong to Prince Harry before he stepped down from his royal duties.
This latest decision by King Charles has stirred emotions, as it was a role that Harry once held with pride. Now, with Prince William being given the honor, the move is seen as another sign of the growing distance between the two brothers.
In recent British royal family news, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is said to be deeply upset after hearing that his brother, Prince William, has been appointed the new Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. Buckingham Palace made the announcement about Prince William’s new title, which was previously held by Prince Harry before he stepped back from his royal duties.
According to royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, Prince Harry’s reaction has been far from positive, as this development has reportedly caused further strain between the two brothers.
“King Charles’ announcement that Prince Harry is being stripped of his role as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps is a real kick in the teeth for the son who always felt marginalized,” royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams stated, addressing the emotional impact this decision may have on Harry. Fitzwilliams highlighted how the move could deepen the rift between Harry and the royal family, given the importance of military roles in Harry’s life and the symbolic value of the title being passed to his brother, Prince William.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams elaborated further, stating that what makes the situation even more painful for Prince Harry is that the role is being given to someone he views as “the cause of so many of his problems – his brother.” According to Fitzwilliams, the Duke of Sussex was reportedly “in tears when he heard” the news, underscoring the deep emotional toll this development has taken on him. The decision seems to have further intensified the strained dynamic between the two brothers.
Richard Fitzwilliams explained that the senior royals were aware of the emotional impact this decision would have on Prince Harry, yet “they have decided the gloves are off.” Addressing the royal family’s stance, Fitzwilliams added, “Harry needs to realize that when you betray the family, you don’t just escape the things you hated doing as a working royal. You also lose the things you loved.” This sentiment highlights the firm consequences Prince Harry now faces, deepening the divide within the royal family.
Ahead of the title handover on May 13, 2024, at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, Richard Fitzwilliams remarked that Prince Harry’s “last few ties to his old life are being cut, and he is being set adrift, permanently.” Fitzwilliams emphasized that this title transfer further isolates Harry from his past royal duties and the life he once knew, marking a significant and symbolic severance from the royal family.
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is reportedly fighting back against being pushed out of royal duties. On May 9, 2024, he was seen at St. Paul’s Cathedral wearing his KCVO Neck Order and Star, an honor given to him by his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. He was attending an event marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, a cause close to his heart. This medal recognizes service to the monarchy and is part of the Royal Victorian Order.
Royal author Tom Quinn shared his thoughts on why Prince Harry chose to wear the medal at this event. “Wearing this was Harry’s way of reminding his family that his grandmother valued his contribution… it’s his way of saying, ‘You’ve taken everything else from me, but you can’t take this!'” Tom explained to a news outlet.
Although the recent news of his brother, Prince William, receiving the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps during Harry’s stay in the U.K. was a harsh blow, it doesn’t erase Harry’s deep connection to the Armed Forces. Prince Harry served in the British Army for ten years, including two tours in Afghanistan, before ending his active duties in 2015. Many members of the royal family have official relationships with the military, making this title shift even more significant.
The timing of Prince William’s new title has sparked speculation, especially considering the strained relationship between Prince Harry and King Charles III in recent years. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams noted, “This is one of the most public rifts in the world. If it were handled privately, without so much press speculation, there would be a better chance of resolving it.”
The relationship between Prince Harry and his father, King Charles III, is so strained that they did not meet when Harry was back in the U.K. in May 2024. This news caused a lot of reactions from the public.
A spokesperson for Prince Harry said, “Due to His Majesty’s busy schedule, it was not possible for the Duke to meet with his father this week. The Duke understands his father’s commitments and hopes to see him soon.” At the time, King Charles III had a packed schedule, having just returned to his royal duties.
Many people were shocked and upset by the news that Prince Harry and King Charles III did not see each other. Some criticized the King, saying things like, “It’s unforgivable that a dad can’t make time for his son, King or not!” and “Harry deserves better. Shame on King Charles.” Others felt strongly that the King was prioritizing his royal duties over his family, suggesting that he could have made time for his son if he really wanted to.
King Charles III had been working behind the scenes while dealing with cancer treatment. On May 7, 2024, he held a meeting at Buckingham Palace with the Prime Minister of Fiji, and the next day, he attended the season’s first garden party at the Palace.
Prince Harry was busy during his time in the U.K., focusing on the anniversary of the Invictus Games. On May 7, 2024, he kicked off the celebrations with a panel discussion and later gave a reading at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Prince Harry also discussed his difficult relationship with his brother, Prince William, during an interview on “Good Morning America.” When asked how their late mother, Princess Diana, would feel about their strained relationship, Harry said he believed she would be sad. He thought she would see their struggles as a way to eventually heal their relationship. Harry also mentioned that he feels his mother’s presence more now than before.