Royal Historian Explains Why William’s Army Air Corps Title Is a ‘Gut Punch’ to Harry: ‘He Had Left...'
Both Prince William and Prince Harry have served in the British Army, risking their lives for the safety of their country. The Duke of Sussex forged a decade-long career, once serving as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales had a shorter military service, flying real-life rescue missions at RAF Valley. Despite William’s briefer service, he was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps in 2024. Speaking on this honor, royal historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop explained why William's new title may have been a 'gut punch' for Harry.
After Harry stepped down as a senior royal in 2020, he surrendered the honorary titles of Commodore-in-Chief of Small Ships and Diving, Honorary Air Commandant, and Captain General Royal Marines to the late Queen Elizabeth in February 2021. Speaking on this, Dunlop told The Mirror, "Doubling down on that pain was Prince William’s recent appointment as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps in 2024. [This made] Harry’s big brother the leader of the regiment that the Duke once flew in Apache helicopters for in Afghanistan. In comparison, the Prince of Wales flew search-and-rescue helicopters in Wales." She added, "One more gut punch for the estranged Duke."
Dunlop also spoke about Harry's secret tribute to his late grandfather, Prince Philip, on VJ Day, where the Duke left a poignant letter honoring his legacy in the military. The Duke of Edinburgh boasted an honorable military career, holding the title of Admiral of the Fleet, the highest rank in the Royal Navy. Reflecting on this tribute, Dunlop explained, "Having first laid a wreath at the Cenotaph in 2009, it was a painful reminder of the cost of what he had left behind," and opined that his family "appears to have forgotten him." The historian went on to call Harry "once the royal family’s most effective military figurehead."
On August 15, GB News reported that the Duke had reportedly asked a friend to discreetly place a note and a wreath of red poppies at the Burma Star Memorial after the national service. His pal laid the tribute once King Charles and Queen Camilla had left the ceremony. Harry's letter praised the service members of the "Forgotten Army" whose "courage and endurance in the Far East campaign were anything but forgettable." It also mentioned his late grandfather, Prince Philip's legacy in the military. Of this, Dunlop opined, "The letter was thoughtful, detailing the 'unforgiving terrain' and years of endurance 'far from home' that the service personnel endured: it honoured the 'grit, unity and sacrifice' of the 'Forgotten Army.'"
Harry's heartfelt letter honored the fallen veterans who served in World War II. According to Page Six, it partly read, "Today, as I think of him [Philip], I think also of each of you, of the shared hardships, the bonds forged, and the legacy you leave." He concluded his letter, writing, "I am humbled by your example, proud of your service and dedication, and profoundly grateful for what you endured. Your story is part of our shared heritage, and it must never be forgotten."