CHANGING OF THE GUARD - PROUD CHARLES HANDS ON BATON

King Charles and Prince William show their unity as a key role passed from father to son sends a strong message, says royal expert Jennie Bond

- MITYA UNDERWOOD

When King Charles proudly passed on a prestigious duty to his eldest son the Prince of Wales last week, it not only marked an important moment in the royal line of succession, but displayed a very public show of unity.

The symbolic and moving gesture came only a few days after the Duke of Sussex paid a visit to the UK without meeting either his father or his brother, highlighting the stark difference between their father-and-son relationships.

As the King appointed Prince William the new Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a role that he himself filled for more than three decades, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively tells OK! he was sending a strong message about the future of the monarchy.

"The image of the King and the future King together sends out a powerful message about the continuity of the monarchy," she says.

"I think it was an example of mutual support the King handing a highly significant appointment to his older, loyal son - and Prince William showing that he is ready and willing to take on some of his father's duties as and when the time is right."

The King, 75, and his eldest son, 41, undoubtedly share a close bond, made even stronger by their "unique and extraordinary destiny", Jennie adds.

"They are the only two men in the country to experience or face the prospect of being monarch," she says. "They have only one another to share very particular thoughts or concerns with about this unique role.

With Harry no longer part of the picture, William has become closer to his father.

"As time goes by, I think the King will look to his eldest son more and more to uphold and protect the institution of monarchy."