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6 months ago
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The Palace's decision to announce William as head of Harry's old regiment just an hour after the Duke of Sussex said his father would not see him was 'deliberate' and the start of a 'fight back' by the King, The Reaction heard.
Hosts Sarah Vine and Andrew Pierce said Buckingham Palace was prompted into a response when Harry briefed the press his father would not be see him because of his 'full programme'.
The hosts said as much on the latest episode of The Reaction, which you can watch here.
When Harry touched down in the UK for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games earlier this week, he quickly said his father had royal commitments meaning they could not meet, in a statement he released to the press.
But an hour later, the Palace announced Prince William would be made Colonel in Chief of the Air Army Corps - Harry's former regiment.
Harry arriving at St Paul's Cathedral for a service to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games
The Duke of Sussex remains estranged from many family members after a string of attacks on the Royal Family in recent years
King Charles III and Queen Camilla, stand with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (right) and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (left) for the Buckingham Palace garden party today
King Charles III speaks to guests attending the garden party at Buckingham Palace today
Film director Sir Ridley Scott is made a Knight Grand Cross at Windsor Castle by William today
Prince William makes Mary Earps an MBE at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle today
Mr Pierce said: 'First of all Harry did not need to put out a statement saying my father is frankly too busy to see me. That was drawing attention to the problem.
'There is no doubt in my mind, Sarah, the palace issuing that statement one hour later saying William was to become Colonel in Chief of Harry's old regiment, but then also to announce that are doing a joint engagement on Monday- double bubble.
'The timing was deliberate, and it is the King and William fighting back. They have had enough of him. I think something has broken since he last saw him in February for about half an hour.
Ms Vine agreed: 'I think morally The King is doing absolutely the right thing, he is rewarding those who have been loyal and kind to him in his hour of need ie his son and his wife.
'Camilla has proved herself to be a massive asset to the King.
'Do you think we are seeing some tough love? I think most normal families would think that is really quite weird. I think it means he simply doesn't trust him.
Guests attending the royal garden party at Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon
King Charles III and Queen Camilla listen to the National Anthem at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III speaks to guests attending the garden party at Buckingham Palace today
Prince Harry arriving at the Invictus Games Service at St Pauls Cathedral
Harry is greeted as he arrives at St Paul's for the Invictus Games service this afternoon
Prince Harry waved to veterans and royal watchers as he arrived at the ceremony
'I think this is the best he can do. I mean Harry is a very toxic influence in the King's life. He has cancer and is already getting chemotherapy.'
The King hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace at 4pm today but Harry - an hour later - hosted an event at St Paul's Cathedral to celebrate the Invictus Games.
Despite the proximity of the locations - roughly two miles apart - the King did not leave the engagement for an audience with his son.
Additionally, news that William will take over command of the Army Air Corps has been perceived as another blow for Harry - who prides his military record.
The role was previously held by the King for 31 years, when he was the Prince of Wales.
English (US)