King Charles Takes Command of Historic Battle Tank — Hours After Prince Harry Snub
The King's engagements in London this week reportedly come after he took back an accommodation offer from Harry, who did not accept it in time.
Today, King Charles carried out his first royal engagement as Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Tank Regiment, arriving in a historic 1920 Pattern Rolls-Royce armored car previously used by Queen Elizabeth II. The event, which coincided with Families’ Day, showcased military heritage and modern advancements, including the new Challenger 3 battle tank. The King also presented medals to soldiers and participated in various activities. The symbolic arrival made a powerful statement, coming amid renewed scrutiny of Prince Harry's security battle and ongoing questions about his upcoming visit to the U.K.
According to The Sun, King Charles rode in a Challenger 2 main battle tank, wearing a commander's helmet and shades, during a family day celebration. He also operated an armored vehicle that his mother had driven nearly 30 years earlier. While continuing his royal engagements, he took a Rolls-Royce armored car, which served in both World Wars and was developed in 1914, for a spin. This vehicle, the oldest in the Tank Museum's working fleet, had previously transported Queen Elizabeth II during her 1997 visit.
During his visit, the monarch also toured the museum's Tank Story Hall, learning about the history of tanks from World War I to the present. He met four former Colonels-Commandant and viewed 3D-printed equipment and drones. Outside, he awarded medals to soldiers for their service, including those related to Operation Cabrit in Estonia. He then inspected the new Challenger 3 tank and explored the regiment's latest technological innovations, the BBC reported. However, his activities send out a strong signal, perhaps to his younger son, Prince Harry.
The King's engagements in London this week follow his rejection of an accommodation offer from Harry, who did not accept it in time. Initially, the Duke's team indicated that he would stay at Buckingham Palace, but palace sources later denied it. Amid security concerns from the Sussexes, Charles had made a royal home available for Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, including space in Buckingham Palace, which would have provided existing security. Harry organized security for his family before accepting the King's housing offer following a failed bid for taxpayer-funded security. A spokesperson indicated he accepted once arrangements were made, but palace sources claimed the deal was called off due to a delayed response.
A spokesperson expressed disappointment over the retraction of the offer. Uncertainty surrounds Harry's accommodation, complicating hopes for a reunion with Charles and his grandchildren. Future visits to the UK could see Harry and family offered a royal residence, though security concerns raise doubts about Meghan and the children joining him this week.
