‘The timing was deliberate’: Palace’s decision to announce William as head of Harry’s old regiment an hour after duke said his father would not see him is the start of a ‘fight back’ by the King, Andrew Pierce says on The Reaction
The palace’s decision to announce William as head of Harry’s old regiment just an hour after the Duke of Sussex said his father would not see him was ‘deliberate’ and the start of a ‘fight back’ by the king , The Reaction heard.
Presenters Sarah Vine and Andrew Pierce said Buckingham Palace was prompted to respond when Harry informed the press that his father would not see him because of his “full schedule”.
The presenters also said this in the latest episode of The Reaction, which you can watch here.
When Harry arrived in Britain earlier this week for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, he was quick to say his father had royal duties, which meant they couldn’t fulfill them, in a statement he gave to the press.
But an hour later, the palace announced that Prince William would be appointed colonel of the Air Corps, Harry’s former regiment.
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Mr Pierce said: “First of all, Harry didn’t have to make a statement saying that, quite frankly, my father is too busy to see me. That drew attention to the problem.
‘I have no doubt, Sarah, that an hour later the Palace made that statement saying that William would become Colonel-in-Chief of Harry’s old regiment, but then also to announce that they are making a joint engagement on Monday – double bubble.
‘The timing was deliberate, and it is the king and William who fight back. They’ve had enough of him. I think something is broken since he last saw him for about half an hour in February.
Ms Vine agreed: ‘I think the King is doing absolutely the right thing morally: he is rewarding those who have been loyal and kind to him in this time of need, i.e. his son and his wife.
‘Camilla has proven to be a huge asset to the king.
“Do you think we’re seeing some tough love? I think most normal families would find that very strange. I think it means he 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 addresses guests attending the garden party at Buckingham Palace today
Prince Harry arrives at the Invictus Games Service at St Pauls Cathedral
Harry is greeted as he arrives at St Paul’s for the Invictus Games service this afternoon
Prince Harry waved to veterans and royal spectators as he arrived at the ceremony
‘I think this is the best he can do. I mean, Harry is a very toxic influence in the king’s life. He has cancer and is already receiving chemotherapy.’
The King hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace at 4pm today, but Harry hosted an event at St Paul’s Cathedral an hour later to celebrate the Invictus Games.
Despite the proximity of the locations – about three kilometers apart – the king did not leave the engagement for an audience with his son.
Furthermore, the news that William will take command of the Army Air Corps is seen as another blow to Harry, who is proud of 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.
The role was previously held by the king for 31 years when he was Prince of Wales.