KING Charles has shared an emotional moment with a veteran as the pair chatted about cancer treatment.
His Majesty arrived today at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, to make Prince William Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.
Charles, 75, met with William, 41, in front of an Apache chopper as he officially made his eldest son the leader of Harry’s former helicopter unit.
And he shared a poignant moment with British Army veteran Aaron Mapplebeck who underwent chemotherapy last year for testicular cancer.
The brave vet told the King how he underwent nine weeks intensive chemo in February 2023 and is now almost a year post treatment.
They discussed side effects as Mr Mapplebeck mentioned how he lost his sense of taste.
Buckingham Palace has not yet confirmed details of the King’s treatment, with royal officials only saying so far that he is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.
The monarch was in good form as he waved to the large crowds which had gathered to welcome him.
His Majesty and William were then seen beaming as they shared a touching embrace in front of the Apache in what was a symbolic passing of the baton.
The latest development was confirmed at the weekend, in what will be deemed a blow to Harry given his service in the very same regiment when he served in Afghanistan.
Harry, who was in the Army Air Corps (AAC) for more than three years, qualified as an Apache commander in 2012.
William, who flew with the Air Ambulance, will later take to the skies in the Apache.
As well as formally handing over this Army Air Corps title to the next generation, the King met veterans and families and saw exhibits in the Army Flying Museum.
Charles unveiled a plaque commemorating an Apache helicopter going on display at the museum.
In a speech today the King said: “I did just want to say what a great joy it is to be with you, even briefly, on this occasion.
“But also, it turns with great sadness after 32 years of knowing you all, and admiring all your many activities and your achievements throughout the time that I’ve been lucky enough to be Colonel-in-Chief of the Army over.
“With this remarkable Apache here, I remember I think I probably was taken up in one of these ones all those years ago.
“And I shall never forget it, nor will I forget the fact that when I first became Colonel-in-Chief, you still had quite a few fixed-wing aircraft, one or two of which I flew in, along with some rather ancient helicopters.
“So all I can say is that having had the pleasure of knowing you for so long, I do hope you’ll go from strength to strength in the future with the Prince of Wales as your new Colonel-in-Chief.
“The great thing is he’s a very good pilot indeed, so that’s encouraging.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun:
It is absolutely no doubt [a snub towards Harry].
I think that Harry will be distressed by this.
Undoubtedly it’s something that he’s takes very personally, we know that what he’s done for the military family, for the Invictus games, which is a wonderful thing, and of course this featured a great deal in their visit, which was private to Nigeria.
But the fact simply is that the King is making somebody he trusts colonel in chief.
I mean this can generously be described as a mess, but it’s a serious issue, because it it tends to show that communication has gone totally haywire, and that’s a generous interpretation of it.
I frankly can see why the Sussexes haven’t been trusted.
“So look after yourselves, and I can’t tell you how proud it has made me to have been involved with you all this time. Thank you.”
With his cancer treatment still continuing, the King is gradually returning to public engagements.
The King is expected to carry out his first major investiture on Tuesday since being diagnosed with cancer.
Charles will knight the Archbishop of Canterbury for his key role in the coronation, and bestow a damehood on bestselling author Dame Jilly Cooper.
The monarch, who was given permission by his doctors to return to public duties last month, will greet 52 recipients one by one at Windsor Castle.
Although it will be his largest indoor ceremony for many months, the investiture is on a slightly smaller scale than usual.
It comes after the King was said to be “too busy” to see his youngest son when he visited the UK last week.
Harry, 39, was keen to see his dad after jetting from California but his spokesman said: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.”
Hours later, in a second snub, the King revealed eldest son William would be taking the honours today.
THE rejuvenated King could have a busy year.
Here are some events he could attend:
MAY 21: Buckingham Palace Garden Party
MAY 21-25: Chelsea Flower Show. Charles would follow in his mother’s footsteps — she visited 50 times during her 70-year reign.
JUNE 6: The 80th anniversary of D-Day in France and UK.
JUNE 15: Trooping the Colour birthday parade in London.
JUNE 17: Garter Day parade, Windsor Castle.
JUNE 18-22: Racing at Royal Ascot.
JULY 3: Holyrood Week. The Ceremony of the Keys sees the monarch receive the keys from the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and be welcomed into the “ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland”.
OCTOBER: Two week state visit of Australia.
