King Charles made a couple of significant moves yesterday that didn’t go unnoticed by royal watchers. First, Buckingham Palace announced that Prince William would be attending a joint engagement next week, where he would be appointed as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role previously held by the King himself. This decision, coming just two hours after the revelation that the King and Prince Harry would not be meeting during Harry’s visit to the UK, raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about potential tensions within the royal family.

It was widely believed that Prince Harry would eventually take on the role of Colonel-in-Chief, particularly given his military background and service in Afghanistan. However, with the King passing on the role to Prince William, many saw it as a clear indication of the current state of affairs between the King and his youngest son.

The timing of these announcements was particularly striking. Prince Harry, who flew into London from California to mark the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games, found himself unable to meet his father due to the King’s busy schedule. Despite being just three miles apart, there was no opportunity for a reunion. The Palace cited the King’s “full programme” as the reason for the missed meeting, as he returned to public duties after undergoing treatment for cancer.

This perceived snub didn’t go unnoticed by royal experts, who commented on the public nature of the rift between father and son. Richard Fitzwilliams described it as “one of the most public rifts in the world,” suggesting that handling such matters privately would be more conducive to resolution. Similarly, former BBC Royal correspondent Michael Cole characterized it as a clear message from the King to Prince Harry, indicating the depth of the divide between them.

Just hours after the news broke about the missed meeting, Buckingham Palace announced Prince William’s new role, further emphasizing the shift within the royal family. The statement highlighted the King’s decision to hand over the role to Prince Charles, a move that underscored the changing dynamics within the monarchy.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry is set to give a reading at a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral tomorrow, marking a significant milestone for the Invictus Games. Despite the family tensions, he remains committed to his charitable endeavors and is expected to continue his work with the Invictus Games Foundation.

As the royal family navigates these changes and challenges, all eyes will be on their next moves and how they choose to address the ongoing issues within the family.