Yesterday, King Charles shared a personal revelation during a visit to the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop, Hampshire. He disclosed to British Army veteran Aaron Mapplebeck that he experienced a loss of taste during his cancer treatment. Mapplebeck, who underwent chemotherapy for testicular cancer last year, mentioned his own loss of taste, prompting the King to reveal his similar experience.
While Buckingham Palace has not provided specific details about the King’s treatment, confirming only that he is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, Charles embarked on a significant ceremonial duty earlier in the day. Arriving by helicopter, he participated in a special ceremony with Prince William at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop. During this event, Charles officially passed on the role of Colonel-in-Chief of The Army Air Corps to his son.
Prince William, now representing the Army’s airborne wing, including his brother Prince Harry’s former unit, 662 Squadron, assumed the prestigious position. Prince Harry, who served as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, was originally expected to take on this role before stepping back from royal duties in 2020.
The joint engagement of Charles and William coincided with Prince Harry’s return from his tour in Nigeria with Meghan Markle. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to land at London Heathrow before returning to their residence in Los Angeles.
Last Tuesday, Buckingham Palace announced Charles’s intention to hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to William, a change that was initiated following Charles’s coronation in May. This transition marked the end of Charles’s 31-year tenure in the position.
During the ceremony, Charles expressed his hopes for the future of the Army Air Corps, acknowledging the significance of the moment and praising Prince William’s piloting skills. The event included a meeting with serving aircrew in front of an Apache attack helicopter, reminiscent of Prince Harry’s service in Afghanistan.
Overall, the day was marked by significant transitions within the royal family and a celebration of military service and tradition.
