Prince Harry is left reeling after King Charles III's unexpected announcement, which appears to have delivered a harsh blow to the Duke.
In what seems to be a strategic move, the 75-year-old monarch has bestowed new honours upon his closest confidants, including Queen Camilla, Princess Kate, and Prince William.
Speculation is rife that Prince Harry may have been deeply affected by the King's decision, with some suggesting he was metaphorically "slapped" by the announcement.
A source close to the Duke revealed, "Harry feels a sense of neglect following the King's recent actions." The timing of these honours, just before Harry's scheduled visit to the UK, has raised eyebrows and sparked conjecture about underlying motives.
The royal family's social media platforms have also shared a poignant post highlighting King Charles's inner circle as a cherished "royal necklace."
Among the honours, the Princess of Wales was appointed as the Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour, marking a significant distinction. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, became the first royal to receive this honour.
Prince William received a prestigious new appointment to the Order of the Bath as a Great Master, recognizing his contributions to military and civil service. This honour holds particular significance, given King Charles's prior role as Great Master from 1974 to 2022.
Queen Camilla was bestowed with the esteemed titles of Grand Master and First Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, further solidifying her standing within the royal family.
Additionally, four new companions of the Order of the Garter were announced, including the Duchess of Gloucester and Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber.
The timing of these announcements, just before Prince Harry's visit to the UK for the Invictus Games event, adds intrigue to the situation. Harry's solo trip is anticipated to involve meetings with his father and sister-in-law, Prince Charles and Princess Kate, amidst ongoing family tensions.
As Prince Harry grapples with these developments, the absence of Meghan Markle, Archie, and Lilibet from the trip due to security concerns underscores the complexities within the royal family.
