**Royal Shift: King Charles Hands Over Military Role to Prince William Amid Family Tensions**

In a notable shift within the British royal family, King Charles has officially transferred the prestigious title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to his eldest son, Prince William.

This significant event unfolded on July 15, 2024, at the Army Aviation Centre located in Middle Wallop, southern England, marking a pivotal moment in royal history.

King Charles, now 75, arrived at the military base to honor his 41-year-old son with this esteemed position.

The ceremony not only symbolizes a generational transition but also highlights the evolving roles within the royal family, particularly as it pertains to military service.

Previously, this role was held by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who has had a rich military background as an Apache helicopter pilot during his service in Afghanistan.

Prince Harry, now 39, stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle.

This major life change paved the way for Prince William to assume a role that once belonged to his younger brother, showcasing the ongoing shifts in responsibilities among the royals.

The event drew a crowd of royal supporters eager to witness this historic handover.

Upon their arrival, King Charles and Prince William were greeted with a Guard of Honour and welcomed by Lieutenant-General Sir Nicholas Porton, the Colonel-Commandant of the Army Air Corps.

The day's agenda included a visit to the Army Flying Museum, where the King unveiled a plaque commemorating the arrival of the first Apache Mark I helicopter in the UK.

This particular helicopter is notable for its involvement in the 2007 Battle of Jug Room in Afghanistan, a critical engagement for British forces.

Following the formalities, the King and Prince William posed for photographs in front of the Apache helicopter, surrounded by members of the Army Air Corps, further emphasizing the family's connection to military service.

William, who has also undergone military training, took the opportunity to sit in the front seat of the Apache attack helicopter during their visit.

Although both brothers are trained pilots, Harry's military experience is more extensive due to his active duty with the Army Air Corps for over three years, while William's military involvement was less direct due to his role as heir to the throne.

Reports indicate that this decision by King Charles to appoint William as Colonel-in-Chief has deeply affected Harry, leaving him in tears.

The younger prince has often expressed feelings of being marginalized within the royal family, and this latest development may exacerbate those sentiments.

Royal expert Tom Quinn suggests that the timing of the announcement—made while Harry was in the UK—was likely intentional, perceived by some as a clear message that he no longer holds a central role in royal affairs.

This transition underscores the shifting dynamics within the family, as both brothers navigate their respective positions and relationships.

The passing of this military torch from Harry to William serves as a poignant reminder of the changing landscape of the British monarchy.