The situation became even more complicated when King Charles made a major announcement during Harry’s visit—one that many believe was a clear message about his estrangement from the royal family.

Royal commentator Tom Quinn told The Mirror that the timing was “deliberate” and meant to “have maximum impact.” According to Quinn, Harry was “in tears” upon learning that his father had appointed Prince William as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps—a role many thought would go to Harry, given his military service.

A Bitter Pill to Swallow

Prince Harry has spoken fondly of his time in the military, particularly his service in Afghanistan, where he found a sense of normalcy and merit-based recognition. Losing this honorary role to Prince William may have felt like another sign of his exclusion from royal life.

However, royal commentator Pandora Forsyth defended the decision, telling Sky News that Prince William is the “right fit for the role.” She noted that when Harry stepped back from his duties, he “knew he would have to give up his honorary military titles.”

While Harry once described William as both his “beloved brother and archnemesis” in Spare, this latest development suggests that the divide between them is deeper than ever.