The Prince of Wales has received an esteemed new title from the King of England. King Charles III’s title bestowment comes at the same time his secondborn son, Prince Harry, is visiting the U.K. for the Invictus Games 10th anniversary.
This week has proved to be an eventful time for the British royal family. Yesterday, a media outlet reported that King Charles III is set to confer the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to his eldest son, Prince William. The announcement was made via Buckingham Palace.
According to reports, the official date for the role transfer is set for May 13 and will take place at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop.
“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,” discloses the Palace’s message.
Interestingly, though Prince William is stepping into the role for the first time, the role itself is not new as it used to belong to his younger brother, Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex’s affiliation with the Armed Forces runs deep.
Aside from previously holding the title, Prince Harry worked in the Armed Forces for ten years, serving two Afghanistan duty tours with the British Army before ending his operational duties in 2015. In addition to Prince Harry, other members of the royal family “have official relationships with many units of the Forces.”
The official website for the King and Queen of England states that the royal family pays soldiers, airmen, and sailors, who serve both at home and abroad, “regular visits.” They have long recognized and supported “the work of the Armed Services.”
News of the King bestowing the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to Prince William comes amid the Duke of Sussex’s recent trip to the U.K., which has raised eyebrows in public spheres. Speculation has been swirling based on the fact that it is widely known that Prince Harry and his father’s relationship has been tense in recent years.
“This is one of the most public rifts in the world. If it was handled in private without so much press speculation, it would have a better chance of being resolved,” asserted royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams while speaking about Prince Harry and King Charles III.
The rift between the father and son runs so deep that even though Prince Harry is currently back in the U.K., a meeting between him and the King of England will not take place. This has sparked heated responses from the public.
“In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program,” announced a spokesperson for Prince Harry.
The statement went on to explain, “The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.” According to a media outlet, King Charles III has a busy schedule because he recently returned to his public royal duties.
Since working behind the scenes amid his cancer diagnosis and treatment, King Charles III held an audience at Buckingham Palace yesterday, where the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, was welcomed. Further occupying the King’s time is the premiere garden party of the season, which is set to take place at Buckingham Palace today (May 8).
Like his father, Prince Harry is also booked and busy. His time in the UK has been spent on the Invictus Games’ anniversary which kicked off with a panel yesterday. Today, St. Paul’s Cathedral will host a service where Prince Harry is expected to give a reading.
The public has reacted with shock and outrage to the news that Prince Harry and King Charles III will not see each other during this time, with many people expressing disappointment in the King. “That’s absolutely unforgivable, that a Dad can’t prioritize his son. King or not!!!” chastised a social media user.
Similarly, someone else expressed, “Harry deserves better. Shame on #KingCharles. He treated #PrincessDiana terrible as well. #TheWholeWorldIsWatching.” “Shameful… but Prince Harry can sleep well at night. He has reached out numerous times,” commented another.
Continuing to highlight the tumultuous nature of the late Princess Diana’s relationship with King Charles III, another user noted, “Charles is who Diana said he was 🙃.” Another King Charles III critic called him “petty.”
A Facebooker wrote, “As a parent I can’t imagine not being able to pencil my child into my schedule.” “I can’t imagine anything more important than getting to spend some time with a child that you really don’t see very often,” added another.
Someone else who felt particularly strongly about the matter stated, “Sadly, his father chooses his position over his family. His father has made it very clear where his love is. If he really wanted to see his son he would and could. This whole situation clearly shows that it is all about him and his ‘control over others.’”
Although King Charles III may not currently have the best relationship with his youngest son, with the recent news of Prince William receiving a new title from him, it would appear as though he remains in good standing with his eldest.
Furthermore, he also reportedly shares a great relationship with his daughter-in-law Princess Catherine. Like Prince William, the King had also conferred a new title on the Princess, which we previously reported on April 24, 2024.
On April 23, King Charles III announced that the Princess of Wales would become the Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour. This was the first appointment for any royal. This prestigious appointment places her among an elite group recognized for their significant contributions across various fields, including the arts, sciences, and public service.
The Order of the Companions of Honour was established by King George V in 1917. It is an exclusive society limited to 65 members at any given time. However, additional honorary members from outside the Commonwealth are allowed. Notable figures among its ranks include Sir Elton John, Sir David Attenborough, Anna Wintour, Dame Maggie Smith, and Dame Judi Dench.
The announcement of Princess Catherine’s new role raised eyebrows. It prompted a flurry of online comments expressing confusion and concern. Thoughts from the online community ranged from skeptical to supportive.
“Definitely a distraction as to what is really happening but okay,” one comment read, hinting at underlying royal dynamics. “But where is she?” asked another, highlighting the Princess’s noticeable absence from public engagements. “A Royal Companion never heard of that role,” a person noted.
“She still hasn’t been seen in public since Dec 25th, and no one seems concerned with this at all?” another person expressed. “I hope she is getting better,” a Facebook user shared. “Ermm what kind of title is that?” questioned another, puzzled over the significance of the new title.
It’s clear that while the honor is significant, it also casts a spotlight on Princess Catherine’s recent low profile. This has stirred public curiosity and concern about her well-being and the circumstances surrounding her new royal duties.
I Took My Son to Visit My Boyfriend’s Parents — I Couldn’t Believe What He Found in My Boyfriend’s Old Room
Mia, a single mom, finally felt a flicker of hope with her new boyfriend, Jake. Their weekend getaway to his childhood beach house seemed idyllic. But when her son Luke stumbles upon a hidden box filled with bones, their picture-perfect escape takes a horrifying turn.
Hi, I’m Mia, and I work as a fourth-grade teacher. It’s a job I love, not just because I get to mold young minds, but also because it gives me the flexibility to spend time with my son, Luke.
A woman with her son | Source: Pexels
Being a single mother isn’t easy, but for five years now, I’ve managed to raise Luke mostly on my own. His dad, well, let’s just say “present” isn’t a word I’d use. Weekends with Dad were more like a distant memory for him than a regular occurrence.
Things finally started to feel a little lighter four months ago. That’s when I met Jake. He was a fellow teacher, kind-hearted and with a laugh that crinkled the corners of his eyes.
And best of all, Jake loved kids.
A teacher interacting with the students | Source: Pexels
However, I wasn’t sure about how Luke would react upon knowing I had another man in my life.
Luke had always been so attached to me, and I believed the thought of sharing me with someone else would affect him.
So, despite the butterflies fluttering in my stomach, I knew it was time to introduce Luke to Jake.
The thought gnawed at me for days, but finally, I decided to take the plunge.
A woman thinking while holding a set of documents | Source: Pexels
“Hey, Luke-a-doodle,” I chirped one sunny afternoon, finding him engrossed in a particularly intricate Lego creation. “What would you say to meeting someone special for lunch this weekend?”
Luke looked up with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Special, huh? Like superhero special or birthday cake special?”
“More like friend special,” I explained nervously. “His name is Jake, and he’s a teacher too, just like me.”
A woman sitting on the floow with her son | Source: Midjourney
Luke’s brow furrowed. “Another teacher? Does he have a beard like Mr. Henderson?”
Mr. Henderson, our ever-patient custodian, was practically a legend amongst the students, thanks to his impressive salt-and-pepper beard.
I chuckled. “No beard, but he does have a really cool laugh.”
The following Saturday arrived, and with a knot of anticipation in my stomach, I introduced Luke to Jake at a local pizzeria.
Initially, Luke hesitated and clung to my leg. But Jake quickly put my little boy at ease.
A man smiling | Source: Pexels
“Hey there, Luke!” Jake boomed, crouching down to his level and extending a hand. “I’m Jake. Your mom tells me you’re a Lego master?”
Luke peeked at me, then back at Jake, a flicker of curiosity sparking in his eyes. He hesitantly took Jake’s hand, his grip surprisingly firm.
“Yeah, I can build spaceships and T-Rexes!”
“Awesome!” Jake exclaimed. “Maybe you can teach me a thing or two sometime? I’m pretty terrible at anything more complicated than a simple tower.”
That did the trick. Luke’s chest puffed out with pride.
A child sitting at a table filled with an assortment of things | Source: Pexels
The rest of the afternoon unfolded with a steady stream of dinosaur facts, Lego building tips, and Jake’s (admittedly terrible) attempts at replicating Luke’s creations.
By the time we left the pizzeria, Luke was chattering non-stop about Jake’s “funny laugh.”
That initial lunch was just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, we spent several weekends enjoying outings. Picnics in the park, trips to the zoo, and even a disastrous (but hilarious) attempt at bowling.
It was then, after several shared weekends and a growing sense of “rightness” between us, that Jake and I decided to take things further.
A close-up shot of a couple staring at each other with their foreheads touching | Source: Midjourney
Recently, Jake invited us to visit his parents’ house by the ocean. He thought it would be a nice getaway for all of us.
Honestly, the idea of a relaxing weekend by the sea sounded perfect to me. Luke was also excited.
The moment we arrived, Jake’s parents, Martha and William, enveloped us in a warm hug. Their house had a charm that whispered of childhood summers.
“Come on, let me show you guys my old stomping ground!” Jake announced, leading us up a creaky wooden staircase.
A flight of wooden stairs | Source: Pexels
At the top of the stairs, he ushered us into a room.
“This is it,” he declared proudly, pushing open the door. “My haven, unchanged since the great escape. I mean, since I moved out for college.”
The room was a snapshot of Jake’s teenage years. Faded posters of rock bands adorned the walls, their edges curling slightly with age.
“Wow,” I breathed, a nostalgic pang tugging at my heart.
Meanwhile, Luke darted across the room, his eyes wide with curiosity.
A happy boy in the bedroom| Source: Midjourney
He knelt beside a dusty box overflowing with plastic figures and miniature race cars.
“Cool toys, Jake!” he exclaimed.
Jake chuckled, scooping up a handful of the toys. “These bad boys are veterans of countless battles,” he said, kneeling to Luke’s level. “Want to see if they can still hold their own?”
Luke’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “Can I play with them here?”
“Sure thing, buddy,” Jake winked.
As Luke began playing with the toys, Jake held my hand and pulled me closer.
A man and a woman standing cheek to cheek | Source: Midjourney
“Let’s go downstairs,” he whispered into my ear before gently planting a kiss on my cheek.
Leaving Luke behind, we headed downstairs. I sat on the couch in the living room, adoring the beautiful house, while Jake chatted with his folks in the kitchen.
Suddenly, Luke came running downstairs. He looked absolutely terrified. He grabbed my hand and pulled me furiously towards the door.
“What’s wrong, Luke?” I asked, my heart pounding.
“Mom, we need to leave now because Jake…” Luke’s voice quivered, and his eyes darted around.
A shocked boy | Source: Midjourney
“Calm down, sweetie. What’s wrong?” I knelt beside him, trying to soothe him.
“I found a strange box with bones in his room. We need to go!” he blurted out.
“What do you mean, bones?”
“In a box, under his bed. Real bones, Mom!”
I looked at him, my mind racing with possibilities. Did I trust Jake too quickly?Jake had always seemed so kind and caring.
Could he really be hiding something so sinister?
Close-up of a woman’s face | Source: Midjourney
“Wait here,” I told Luke firmly, though my voice wavered with fear. I quickly made my way back to Jake’s room.
As I entered, my eyes were immediately drawn to the box under the bed. With trembling hands, I reached down and pulled it out. Lifting the lid, I felt a jolt of shock.
There they were: bones. My mind reeled, and without wasting another second, I grabbed Luke’s hand and we ran out of the house.
My heart raced as I fumbled with the car keys.
A person unlocking a car door | Source: Pexels
In no time, we sped down the driveway, leaving Jake’s parents’ house behind.
Soon, my phone buzzed incessantly with calls from Jake, but I couldn’t bring myself to answer. I was too scared and confused.
After driving aimlessly for a few minutes, I pulled over to the side of the road. I needed to think clearly.
Soon, the reality of what just happened began to sink in, and I decided to call the police. I dialed 911 with shaky fingers and explained the situation to the dispatcher.
A woman holding a phone | Source: Pexels
Within an hour, I received a call back from the police. My heart pounded as I answered.
“Mia, the bones are fake,” the officer said, his voice calm and reassuring. “They’re replicas used for teaching purposes. There’s nothing to worry about.”
I felt relieved, but the feeling was soon replaced by guilt. How could I have jumped to such drastic conclusions? I felt embarrassed and ashamed.
I realized I had let my fears get the best of me. I had overreacted in the worst possible way.
A woman sitting in a car with her eyes closed | Source: Midjourney
At that point, I knew I had to call Jake. With a deep breath, I dialed his number. He picked up on the first ring.
“Jake, I’m so sorry,” I began. “I was scared, not just for myself, but for Luke. I know I jumped to conclusions, and I’ll understand if you can’t forgive me.”
“Mia, I understand your feelings,” Jake replied. “You were protecting your son, and that’s natural. I forgive you. Come back here. Let this be our funny story, not a reason to break up.”
A man using his phone | Source: Pexels
I smiled through my tears and heaved a sigh of relief. Jake’s understanding meant everything to me. I turned to Luke, who was watching me with wide eyes.
“It’s okay, sweetheart,” I said, pulling him into a hug. “Everything’s going to be okay. The bones weren’t real. They’re just for teaching. Jake isn’t a bad guy.”
We drove back to Jake’s parents’ house. They looked quite worried, but I quickly explained everything and apologized for leaving abruptly.
An older couple standing at a doorstep, each holding a cup | Source: Pexels
We spent the rest of the day relaxing by the ocean, the tension gradually melting away. That incident marked the beginning of a stronger bond between us, and now, we often recall it with a smile.
Jake even laughs at how I rushed out of the house with Luke that day.
A man laughing, with his head tossed back | Source: Pexels
What would you have done?
If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one you might like: When Ella’s boyfriend, Ian, plans a romantic getaway to Santorini, she takes the hint that a proposal is on its way. But when the couple gets to their destination, they’re surprised by the arrival of Ian’s best friend, Mark. Will Ella get her dream getaway, or will it end in disaster?
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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