King Charles III has spoken of his ‘immense pride’ in Prince William and Prince Harry, since they are alumni of military college.
The King’s comments, made Thursday while attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst for the 200th Sovereign’s Parade, came days after Buckingham Palace confirmed the Duke of Sussex will be present at the monarch’s coronation on May 6th.
There had been speculation Prince Harry would not attend the event, given his estrangement from other members of the royal family following the publication of his tell-all memoir, Spare.
Meanwhile, his wife, Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, will not be present.
Addressing more than 170 cadets who’d completed their training as officers at Sandhurst on Thursday, King said: ‘Speaking as a father of two alumni of this academy, I know they will be full of immense pride in witnessing you on parade’, adding he knew ‘the immense pride’ the graduates’ families would be feeling.
The king humorously then recalled his own time spent at military college. He said: ‘Having attended, and survived, two of the other military academies 50 years ago, I think I have some idea of the challenges which are inherent in military training.
‘I have experienced the nerves, the exhaustion, even the self-doubt, but despite such recollections, it is the lifelong friendships which are forged through shared hardship, and the humour you find in the darkest hours of the coldest, wettest nights, which remain with you.’
The king further commended the military for the evacuation of Kabul, and for supporting the government throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
He said: ‘We face challenges at home and abroad, all of which, I know, draw on our Army to assist in keeping the country safe and functioning.
‘We are fortunate to have you, as well as those here today who so loyally support you.’
