In what is seen as a pointed response to Prince Harry’s recent actions, the Palace has announced a special status for Prince William. The prestigious role, which many believed was reserved for Harry, is considered a major blow for the Duke of Sussex, who has faced criticism for his public pronouncements about the Royal Family. A royal expert describes it as a “kick in the teeth,” especially after the Duke returned to the UK for his Invictus Games commitments, with hopes of a family reunion seeming completely off the table.
The Duke of Sussex, who stepped down from his royal duties back in 2018 to start a new life in California with his wife Meghan Markle and two kids Archie and Lilibet, was reportedly left “in tears” following the Palace’s new announcement. The royal expert claims that Harry was delivered a ‘kick in the teeth’ after King Charles presented Prince William with the newly opened military honour.
Despite speculation, Harry’s trip back to the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games did not lead to a reunion with his estranged family, particularly his ailing father, Charles. The Palace confirmed that King Charles was too busy to see Harry during his visit.
To make matters worse, just hours after it was announced that the reunion would not take place, the Palace confirmed that William would be appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Air Force Corps—a title that many thought would go to Harry, given his distinguished service with the Corps in Afghanistan.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Tom Quinn emphasizes that those within the palace walls are well aware of how the timing of awarding William with the honour would deeply affect Harry emotionally.
Despite Harry expressing a desire to see his father again during an interview with Good Morning America, not only did King Charles not have time to meet him, but he also organized a tea party, which is seen as an effort to discourage royals who might support Harry during the Invictus event.
Quinn claimed that Harry is said to “have been in tears when he heard.” He continued, “But they have decided the gloves are off and that 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.”