Why the Timing of Prince William's New Royal Role Feels 'Poignant' During Prince Harry's UK Visit

Prince Harry’s May 8 visit to the U.K. was highly publicized because the Invictus Games reached a major milestone. The crowds showed up to support him, but the royal family did not — and yes, they were reportedly invited to the event. How did the palace honor the Duke of Sussex’s appearance in London? Well, they announced a new royal role for Prince William that was originally slated to go to Prince Harry before his exit. 

Royal expert Katie Nicholl chimed in with her thoughts to Entertainment Tonight on the curiously timed announcement, one that likely cut Harry to the core because it involved the military. The Prince of Wales was named the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps by King Charles, which Nicholls considers a “slap in the face” to Prince Harry. “For many years he served two tours in Afghanistan,” she explained. “You know, the timing is curious. I think many people will see that as a bit of a snub, really, from the palace, and perhaps a little bit of a poke in the ribs to Prince Harry.”

The royal family could have shared the news on any day of the week, but they chose to rain on the Duke of Sussex’s parade. “Yes, he’s over here part of the Invictus community celebrating 10 years, but he’s been stripped of his right to wear his military uniform,” the royal expert continued. “And now his brother’s taken over the role that I think Harry would have expected to have come to him, had he still been a working member of the royal family.” She described the timing as “poignant” and called it “yet another reminder that he’s very much out rather than in when it comes to the royal family.”

Harry, who takes great pride in his military service, has been punished more than once for his royal exit. He was stripped of his military patronages and titles after he and Meghan Markle left the U.K., and when Queen Elizabeth II passed away, he was only allowed to wear his military regalia for his grandmother’s vigil. The regulations are petty, but an insider told Us Weekly that Harry had already “come to terms with not wearing uniform on these occasions.” He knows that no one can take away his military experience, and the U.S. has honored him for his work in this area.

The Duke of Sussex’s words resonated at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany when he pointed out that it’s not the uniform that makes the military man or woman. “For many of you, the uniform that you’ve been wearing this past week will give you a new story to tell. And for others, it may give your old uniform new meaning,” he proudly told the audience of athletes and spectators. “But I’m here to remind you that after all of this, you don’t need to rely on a uniform, nor should you ever feel lost without one. Why? Because everything you need is already within you.”

Before you go, click here to see the best photos of Prince Harry and Prince William growing up together over the years.