Amid the family feud, Prince Williams’ new royal title says a lot about how King Charles feels about Prince Harry’s royal future. The British royal family’s relationship has been strained ever since Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, declared they were stepping down as senior members of the royal family in January 2020.
On May 8, 2024, King Charles dubbed his eldest son, Prince William, Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, despite Harry having served with the unit in Afghanistan. Both brothers are trained military pilots, however, Harry personally served in the Army Air Corps during his second tour of Afghanistan up until 2014.
“His Majesty the King will officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales,” the palace said in a statement. “In August 2023, following His Majesty’s Accession, the King was pleased to announce military appointments including that the Prince of Wales would become Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The role was previously held by His Majesty the King, as Prince of Wales, for 31 years.”
The snub comes after the public learned that the King will not see his youngest son during his current UK visit from the United States, marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. A spokesperson for Harry told The Independent that “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it, unfortunately, will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program. The duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”
Prince William’s royal titles
Including his royal and noble titles as well as honorary military appointments.
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Duke of Cambridge
Image Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images As of 29 April 2011, granted on the occasion of his wedding.
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Earl of Strathearn
As of 29 April 2011, granted on the occasion of his wedding.
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Baron Carrickfergus
As of 29 April 2011, granted on the occasion of his wedding.
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Baron of Renfrew
8 September 2022, automatically granted upon his father’s accession to the throne.
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Earl of Carrick
8 September 2022, automatically granted upon his father’s accession to the throne.
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Duke of Rothesay
8 September 2022, automatically granted upon his father’s accession to the throne.
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Duke of Cornwall
8 September 2022, automatically granted upon his father’s accession to the throne.
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Earl of Chester
Formalized on 13 February 2023, granted to the heir apparent.
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Prince and Great Steward of Scotland
8 September 2022, automatically granted upon his father’s accession to the throne.
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Prince of Wales
Image Credit: Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images 9 September 2022 announced, formalized on 13 February 2023. Granted to the heir apparent. “Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given,” Charles said in a statement.
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Lord of the Isles
8 September 2022, automatically granted upon his father’s accession to the throne.
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Honorary military appointments
Image Credit: Photo by Daniel Leal – WPA Pool/Getty Images - Canada
- 10 November 2009: Honorary Canadian Ranger
- United Kingdom
- Since 8 August 2006: Commodore-in-Chief, Royal Navy Submarine Service
- Since 8 August 2006: Commodore-in-Chief, Scotland
- 3 October 2008 – 11 August 2023: Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Coningsby
- Since 11 August 2023: Royal Honorary Air Commodore, RAF Valley
- 10 February 2011 – 21 December 2022: Colonel, Irish Guards
- Since 21 December 2022: Colonel, Welsh Guards
- Since 11 August 2023: Colonel-in-Chief, Mercian Regiment
- Since May 8, 2024: Colonel-in-Chief, Army Air Corps
- Canada
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Commonwealth realms
- England
- 23 April 2008: Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG)
- Wales
- 23 April 2008: Royal Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG)
- Scotland
- 25 May 2012: Extra Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle (KT)
- United Kingdom
- 17 March 2013: Personal Aide-de-Camp to the Sovereign (ADC)
- 9 June 2016: Member of His Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council (PC)
- 23 April 2024: Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath
- Tuvalu
- 30 October 2017: Recipient of the Tuvalu Order of Merit
- England