Prince William officially stepped into her new role – and dressed for the occasion.
On Monday, second in line to the British throne was presented with the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps by your father, King Charles III.
The official transfer took place at the Army Aviation Center in Hampshire, England. The role, which was previously held by Charles for three decades, makes William the official head of the military regiment.
William, 41, and Charles, 75, were seen posing in front of an Apache helicopter as the king presented his son with the official uniform patch. William then got dressed and got to work, joining members of the military at the base and talking to them about his military work. William flew out of the base in an Apache helicopter.
William’s new role has a close connection with his younger brother, Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex actively served in the military regiment for 10 years, from 2005 to 2015. During his time in the army, Harry served two tours in Afghanistan and was ranked as an Apache helicopter commander.
Last week, royal expert Katie Nicholl told ET that William’s new role would feel like a “slap in the face” to his estranged younger brother, as he was stripped of his military duties when he stepped away from royal life in 2020.
“Yes, he is part of the Invictus community celebrating 10 years, but he has been deprived of his right to wear his military uniform,” Nicholl said. “And now his brother has stepped into the role that I think Harry would have hoped he would have, had he still been a working member of the royal family. So, yes, I think the moment feels poignant. And, yes, I think it’s probably more of a slap in Prince Harry’s face, and yet another reminder that he’s more out than in when it comes to the royal family.”
Charles’ appointment to William’s role comes amid his public battle with cancer. The monarch, who announced his diagnosis in February, recently returned to public duties. The Prince of Wales is also carrying out solo engagements while his wife, Kate Middleton, privately undergoes treatment for her cancer diagnosis.
William and Charles’ joint departure is so Harry and Meghan marked their first international tour since stepping back from royal duties. Over the weekend, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Nigeria after being invited to a visit by the Chief of the Defense Staff.
Harry traveled back home to the UK last week in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Before his travels, a spokesperson for Harry confirmed that he would not be seeing his family.
“In response to the many questions and ongoing speculation about whether or not the Duke will be reunited with his father whilst in the UK this week, this will unfortunately not be possible due to Her Majesty’s full programme,” a statement said. Harry’s spokesperson told ET. “The Duke, of course, understands his father’s schedule and various other priorities and looks forward to seeing him soon.”
RELATED CONTENT: