Prince Harry was reportedly “in tears” after King Charles made a harsh new announcement.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, and his wife Meghan Markle, 42, have been among the most divisive figures in the royal family since stepping back from their senior roles and breaking with tradition.
Since giving up their official duties, Harry and Meghan have used their influence to focus on various public service projects.
However, their relationship with the royal family remains tense.
Recently, the family faced criticism for allegedly “disrespecting” their son Archie on his fifth birthday.
Now, the Duke is said to have been deeply upset after being snubbed by his father.
It’s not only Prince Harry’s relationship with King Charles that’s being closely watched.
His bond with his older brother, Prince William, 41, has also drawn attention — reports say they grew apart after Harry and Markle stepped back from their royal roles.
Their mother, Princess Diana, died tragically in a car crash in 1997, when Harry was 12 and William was 15.
Andrew Morton, Princess Diana’s late biographer, told Royals Monthly in 2019 (via Us Weekly), “Their relationship is incredibly intimate.”
After the release of Spare, a source told Us Weekly that Prince William “doesn’t even recognise” his younger brother anymore.
The insider added, “He wants to believe that there’s still hope for peace down the line, but it’s hard.”
At their father’s coronation in May 2023, the brothers seemed to keep their distance — and now, their relationship might have gotten even more strained.
And it all comes down to their father, King Charles.
Prince Harry’s recent trip to the UK has grabbed a lot of attention.
A spokesperson for the Duke told the BBC that he wouldn’t be meeting his father because the King had a ‘full programme.’
On top of that, reports say Prince Harry declined King Charles’ offer of a royal residence while he was in the country.
This situation has stirred up questions, especially after King Charles made an announcement that many feel was timed deliberately.
Royal expert Tom Quinn told the Mirror that the 75-year-old King might have made the announcement as a clear message to his youngest son, highlighting that Harry remains estranged from the royal family.
Quinn said Harry was “in tears when he heard,” and added, “What makes it worse is that the role is going to the man Harry blames for much of his troubles — his brother.
“And the fact the announcement came during Harry’s short visit to the UK was no coincidence; it was meant to hit home, showing Harry he really isn’t welcome anymore.”
King Charles has named Prince William as the new Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps — a position many thought would naturally go to Prince Harry.
The move highlights the ongoing tension within the royal family, especially considering Harry’s close ties to the unit during his military service in Afghanistan. That period was especially meaningful to him, offering a rare sense of normalcy and recognition based on merit.
Royal commentator Pandora Forsyth backed the King’s decision, telling Sky News that Prince William is the “right fit for the role.”
Forsyth explained: “Prince Harry knew this when he left as a senior member of the working family, that he would have to give up his honorary military titles. So, unfortunately, this is just now the reality for Harry. And it’s brutal and of course, it’s going to hit home because it’s very personal for him.”
In his memoir, Prince Harry referred to Prince William as both his “beloved brother and archnemesis” — a description that seems more accurate than ever today.