Royal expert Katie Nicholl says Prince William’s new military title will have been a ‘slap in the face’ for Prince Harry, but the timing was purely a coincidence.

Prince William’s new military role will have been a ‘slap in the face’ for Prince Harry (Image: Getty)

King Charles’s passing on a key military role to Prince William will have come as a “slap in the face” to Prince Harry, a royal expert has claimed. The King officially handed over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to the Prince of Wales during a visit to its Hampshire airfield earlier this week.

The Army Air Corps is the Duke of Sussex’s former unit, in which he served as an Apache helicopter commander and co-pilot gunner during his second tour of Afghanistan in 2012.

Royal expert Katie Nicholl told the podcast Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered suggested the timing of the announcement was unfortunate for Harry. She said: “Again, when you talk about timing and the blow of that announcement about Archewell, when Harry got all this sunshine and happy and positive coverage in Nigeria, the images coming out of the UK are of Charles and William looking closer than ever, with William being honoured with the title that really should have gone to Harry.”

Ms Nicholl continued: “I think that’s going to feel a bit like a slap in the face for Prince Harry just as he’s riding high because of Nigeria. There’s just something else to keep him anchored… So, interesting timing and an accolade for Prince William. I think he’ll have been very proud of that.”

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

King Charles has passed the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to Prince William (Image: Getty)

Prince William took control of an Apache helicopter during the visit to Middle Wallop (Image: Getty)

Vanity Fair’s royal editor suggested the Prince of Wales would have loved every minute of his “Top Gun moment” after William left the Hampshire base in an Apache.

She shared her view after Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the US following a three day trip to Nigeria where the couple promoted mental health for soldiers, visited local charity Giants of Africa and were hosted at Lagos State Government House.

The trip coincided with the Sussexes’ Archwell charity incorrectly being listed as “delinquent” and a delinquency notice letter being sent to the foundation for “failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees”. By Tuesday (May 14) the status of Archewell Foundation had, however, been changed to “current”.

A spokesperson for Archewell said it had diligently investigated the situation and could confirm the foundation remained fully compliant and in good standing, with due payments made promptly and in accordance with procedures.

Asked if William being officially handed his new role was just a coincidence, as opposed to a bid to distract from the Sussexes’ trip to Nigeria, Ms Nicholl said she felt sure it was the former.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have been pleased with their visit to Nigeria, experts say (Image: Getty)

The Army Air Corps is Prince Harry’s old unit (Image: Getty)

She said: “We know how far in advance royal diaries are planned so I think there’s every chance this is just coincidental timing. I don’t think there’s deliberate scheming going on here. It just seems to be quite unfortunate timing for [the Sussexes].”

The King’s decision to hand the role to William was seen as a blow to Harry when it was first announced last year.

Charles said it was a “great joy” to meet servicemen, their families and veterans at an earlier visit to the Army Flying Museum, but added the handover was “tinged with great sadness”.

He said: “I do hope you’ll go from strength to strength in the future with the Prince of Wales as your new Colonel-in-Chief.

“The great thing is he’s a very good pilot indeed – so that’s encouraging.”

William embarked on his first engagement with the Army Air Corps after the King left, receiving a briefing on its work and inspecting training and operational aircraft as well as talking to soldiers.

He was presented with gifts on behalf of the corps – a tartan scarf for the prince, a wrap for his wife Kate and three wooden helicopter models for each of the couple’s children.

Kensington Palace posted two images of the Prince of Wales during his military service on X, showing a younger William in 1998 and 2009 – standing next to a helicopter in one picture and smiling at the controls in another. The caption read: “Time flies!”

Monday’s visit came just days after Harry travelled to London to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, without meeting up with either his father or his brother.