The sovereign handed over to Prince William an important position that he had promised to Prince Harry.
Prince William assumes the title of colonel-in-chief of the British Army Air Corps in an emotional ceremony held this Monday. The event was presided over by King Charles, who handed the honorary position to his eldest son and legitimate heir to the British crown.
However, this decision has sparked controversy, as the title was expected to be awarded to the Prince of Wales's younger brother, Harry. During the visit to the military base at the Middle Wallop airfield, Hampshire, in the south of England, Charles III was accompanied by soldiers and his family. Prince William, the first colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps in the last 32 years, expressed his joy and sadness as he passed on his title to his first-born son.
For his part, the 75-year-old king expressed his admiration for the numerous successes of the military corps. The fact that the honorary title has not been awarded to Harry has sparked speculation. Although the younger prince served in the British Army regiment in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter commander, his renunciation of obligations to the monarchy and his self-imposed exile in the United States may have influenced this decision.
During his stay in London for a commemorative ceremony for the Invictus Games, Prince Harry did not visit the consort, which was justified by Buckingham Palace due to his busy schedule. Despite his absence from public engagements, King Charles resumed much of his activities since early May after receiving treatment for cancer.
Prince William, who spent more than seven years in the British Army and was a rescue helicopter pilot, was briefed on his new duties and had to leave the air base aboard an Apache helicopter. Charles III expressed his confidence in the Prince of Wales as the new colonel-in-chief, highlighting his abilities as a pilot and offering words of encouragement for the future.
With this transition, Prince William assumes a more responsible role in the military, continuing his commitment to the service and defense of the United Kingdom. King Charles' decision to pass the title on to his eldest son strengthens the line of succession and marks a milestone in the history of the British monarchy.
