The Palace’s decision to announce William as head of Harry’s former regiment just an hour after the Duke of Sussex said his father would not see him was “deliberate” and the start of a “counterattack” by the King, according to listened to The Reaction.
Presenters Sarah Vine and Andrew Pierce said Buckingham Palace responded when Harry informed the press that his father would not be seeing him due to his “full schedule.”
The hosts said it in the latest episode of The Reaction, which you can watch. here.
When Harry landed in the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games earlier this week, he was quick to say that his father had royal commitments, which meant they couldn’t keep up, in a statement he issued to the press.
But an hour later, the Palace announced that Prince William would be appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Air Force Corps, Harry’s former regiment.
Harry arrives at St Paul’s Cathedral for a service to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their Invictus Games.
The Duke of Sussex remains estranged from many members of his family after a series of attacks on the Royal Family in recent years
King Charles III and Queen Camilla join the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (right) and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (left) for the garden party at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III speaks to guests attending the Buckingham Palace garden party today
Film director Sir Ridley Scott receives the Knighthood Grand Cross at Windsor Castle from William today.
Prince William awards Mary Earps an MBE at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle today
Mr Pierce said: “Firstly, Harry didn’t need to make a statement saying that my father is frankly too busy to see me. That was drawing attention to the problem.
“I have no doubt, Sarah, that the palace issued that statement an hour later saying that William would become colonel-in-chief of Harry’s old regiment, but then also announced that they were doing a joint engagement on Monday – double bubble.
‘The timing was deliberate, and it’s the King and William fighting back. They’ve had enough of him. I think something has broken since he last saw it in February for about half an hour.
Mrs Vine agreed: “I think morally the King is doing absolutely the right thing, he is rewarding those who have been loyal and kind to him in his time of need, namely his son and his wife.”
‘Camilla has proven to be a great asset to the King.
‘Do you think we’re seeing tough love? I think most normal families would think that’s pretty strange. I think it means she just doesn’t trust him.
Guests attending the royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon
King Charles III and Queen Camilla listen to the National Anthem at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III speaks to guests attending the Buckingham Palace garden party today
Prince Harry arrives at the Invictus Games Service at St Paul’s Cathedral
Harry is greeted as he arrives at St Paul’s for the Invictus Games service this afternoon.
Prince Harry greeted veterans and royal observers as he arrived at the ceremony.
‘I think this is the best thing to do. I mean, Harry is a very toxic influence in the King’s life. He has cancer and is already undergoing chemotherapy.’
The King hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace today at 4pm, but Harry, an hour later, hosted an event at St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the Invictus Games.
Despite the proximity of the places, approximately two miles apart, the King did not abandon the engagement for an audience with his son.
Furthermore, the news that William will take command of the Army Air Corps has been perceived as another blow for Harry, who takes pride in his military record.
Harry served his second tour of duty in Afghanistan, between September 2012 and January 2013, as an Apache pilot in the regiment.
Previously, the King held the position for 31 years, when he was Prince of Wales.
