A royal writer thinks King Charles should recognize Prince Harry’s time in the military in Afghanistan, especially after not meeting him when he visited London, according to Newsweek.
Prince Harry is in Britain to celebrate 10 years of the Invictus Games, which he started for injured soldiers.
But the Duke of Sussex’s spokesperson said that his dad didn’t have time to see him.
This move by the king, seen as a “snub” in the British media, happened on the same day Prince William was announced to become the official Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, which was Prince Harry’s old unit, during a special event on Monday.
This situation could cause more tension between Harry and his family, but it also gives Charles a chance to honor Harry’s service in Afghanistan, as the Air Corps’ role in the war will be talked about during the event.
King Charles Urged to Honor Prince Harry’s Service
Ingrid Seward, who wrote a book about the royals, said, “That would be a good way to handle it, and he might genuinely want to.”
“This would be a good opportunity. If he doesn’t mention Harry, that would be strange,” she added.
Charles will reveal a plaque about an Apache helicopter used in a battle during the Afghanistan War in 2007, which is now displayed in The Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop.
Harry’s first time in Afghanistan was the same year, so Charles has a chance—if he wants—to acknowledge his second son.
This would likely be seen as a peace offering publicly, although Seward thinks Charles might not be thinking about public opinion.
“Charles might have lost some points here, but he doesn’t care about scoring points,” she said. “Even if his advisors suggested honoring Harry’s service, he might have said, ‘I’m not playing that game.'”
Afua Hagan wished Charles and Harry could have met before the announcement.
“I think it’s really sad that they won’t get to spend any time together,” she said. “The king is busy and still recovering, so he can’t do too much.”
“It’s disappointing, and it’s a missed chance for them both,” she added. “It feels like a snub, and no one from the royal family is attending the Invictus event. Prince Harry’s project is amazing, and the optics aren’t good.”
Hagan said some people might think “the king and Camilla want to teach Harry a lesson,” but she believes Charles isn’t that petty, although he risks looking that way.
“It’s not meant to be unkind, but it doesn’t look good,” Seward agreed. “But Charles won’t try to please everyone; he never has.”
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