King Charles held a significant joint engagement with Prince William today, officially passing command of Prince Harry’s former Army regiment to his eldest son. At the Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire, His Majesty named William Colonel-in-Chief of The Army Air Corps, symbolizing a shift in leadership within the British Army’s combat aviation arm.

In a lighthearted moment, Charles handed William an Army Air Corps beret and belt, signaling the transition of command to his younger brother’s former unit, the 662 Squadron. Despite Harry’s history with the squadron as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, Charles focused on William’s piloting skills, joking that he was “a very good pilot indeed.”

The King expressed his pride in being involved with the regiment over the years and wished William success in his new role. William then donned his new uniform and received gifts for his family, including an Army Air Corps tartan wrap for Kate and wooden helicopters for their children.

This event coincided with the arrival of the Sussexes in the UK from Nigeria, where they had been on a tour. Although Harry had been in London for the Invictus Games anniversary, he did not meet with his father due to the King’s busy schedule, sparking speculation and discussions about their missed reunion.

As Charles conducted this important engagement, he also shared a personal detail about his ongoing cancer treatment, revealing that he had lost his sense of taste. Despite his health challenges, he remained committed to his duties, including the investiture ceremony scheduled for the following day.