Prince Harry has been snubbed twice by his father King Charles following his arrival in the UK.
The Duke of Sussex has made the visit this week to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, which he founded.
Just hours after landing on Tuesday, he learned that the King not only turned down seeing him during his visit, but would honour Prince William instead during an engagement.
On Tuesday night, Buckingham Palace announced that the King would pass on the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, which he held for 31 years, to William.
The statement said: “At the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, His Majesty The King will officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.”
“In August 2023, following His Majesty’s Accession, The King was pleased to announce military appointments including that The Prince of Wales would become Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.”
It continued: “The role was previously held by His Majesty The King, as Prince of Wales, for 31 years.”
The Duke of Sussex was expected to receive this honour, and take charge of the regiment he toured Afghanistan with until 2014.
A royal insider told the Daily Mail about the King’s decision not to see his son that “timing is everything,” while another added it “will be widely perceived as a snub.”
On Tuesday, Harry and Charles were down the road from each other, but the Monarch went for dinner with city financier Guy Monson instead.
Michael Cole, a former BBC Royal correspondent, admitted: “It is quite a snub. For the King to not see his younger son, Prince Harry, although the two men will be only two miles apart tomorrow afternoon, gives an indication of the depth of the divide.”
A spokesperson for the Prince said to Us Weekly: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.”
“The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon,” they added.
These snubs come after Harry was reportedly forced to stay in a hotel, after his previous requests to stay in Windsor Castle were rejected by the Royal Family.
Just last month, it was revealed that Harry’s primary residence had been changed to the US – cutting his ties with the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been living in California since March 2020, when they quit their roles as senior working royals.
As a result, Prince Harry does not have a residence in the UK anymore – meaning on his most recent visits he has stayed at hotels instead of Windsor Castle.
Meghan Markle has not joined Harry for the brief visit, instead, she has stayed in the US to prepare for their unofficial tour of Nigeria – which is planned for days after.
