King Charles as a doting father wants peace to prevail between his two warring sons, but he has not forgotten his role as the monarch.
The King has not spoken to his estranged younger son Prince Harry amid his ongoing security appeal as per the instructions of Palace officials to avoid any legal jeopardy. However, the radio silence continues even after the verdict was announced.
Meanwhile, William remains estranged and aloof from his only sibling, with whom he once shared a very close bond.
Speculations of a reunion are re-emerging once again as The Times reported that Harry has approved the Invictus Games invites for the royal family which are due to be sent out. It is unclear if the King will attend the ceremony as the feud with Harry is still fresh. Although, the event is to celebrate the veterans who were left injured or sick after the service.
The King finds himself in a complicated position since he is Head of the Armed Forces and should issue some message of support for the international event, even if it is plagued by a family feud.
Buckingham Palace on Saturday marked an important day to express their gratitude for the “tireless service” of the armed forces. In the fine lines of the lengthy statement, the royal family seemingly pointed to where the monarch stands between his two sons.
The message stated that “generations of the Royal Family have undertaken military careers, gaining an insight into the camaraderie, commitment and sacrifice which Characterises a career in the Armed Forces”.
Along with Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry both served in the British military. However, the Duke of Sussex was clearly cut out from the nod with the message honouring working royals, especially the heir to the throne.
“Prince William served for over seven years, first joining the Blues and Royals, a cavalry regiment, and later Transferring to the RAF as a search and rescue helicopter pilot,” it read.
Acknowledging the service of late Prince Philip during World War II, the statement addressed how the royals continue to commemorate armed forced in “the annual Trooping the Colour to State Visits, Remembrance Sunday and State Funerals, demonstrating the close relationship between the military and the Sovereign”.
A keen nod was given to Princess Anne, Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester.
“Working members of the Royal Family also hold a number of honorary military roles, linking them to specific regiments, ships and RAF bases and by extension to their personnel and families,” it noted. “They often visit troops in the UK and overseas and support veterans' charities and events, including an annual garden party for the Not Forgotten Association in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.”
The statement was a stark indicator of how Harry and Meghan have no place as working royals even if Harry had given years in the service of his country – a stance Prince William remains firm on.
The King may welcome back Prince Harry as his son, but the Duke's days of being royal seem to be long gone.
