Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has caused a stir among aviation experts and his fans by revealing his fear of flying.

This surprising admission comes just a week after he received the prestigious Living Legends of Aviation Award.

In a podcast interview with Oprah Winfrey, his close friend and business partner, Prince Harry opened up about his aerophobia, a fear of flying that triggers anxiety and panic attacks whenever he boards a plane or helicopter.

The Duke of Sussex attributes his phobia to the traumatic experiences he endured during his two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

Witnessing and participating in combat missions left him scarred and traumatized.

Additionally, Prince Harry blames the intense media scrutiny and public pressure he faced as a member of the royal family, along with the lack of privacy and security he and his wife Meghan Markle experienced in the UK.

Seeking solace, Prince Harry made the decision to relocate to the US with Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

He hoped to escape the hostile environment he faced in his home country and pursue a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

To overcome his fear of flying, Prince Harry sought professional help and therapy.

He now relies on meditation and breathing techniques to calm himself before and during flights.

Despite his struggles, he still maintains a love for aviation and hopes to reignite his passion someday.

However, Prince Harry’s confession has not been well-received by many aviation experts and fans.

They accuse him of hypocrisy, dishonesty, and being undeserving of the Living Legends of Aviation Award.

Critics point out that since moving to the US, Prince Harry has frequently flown using private jets and helicopters for both personal and professional trips.

This behavior contradicts his claims of being an environmentalist and a humanitarian.

Among those criticizing Prince Harry is retired Colonel Richard Kemp, who served in the British Army for 29 years and commanded troops in Afghanistan.

He views Prince Harry’s fear of flying as a disrespectful blow to the aviation community and military veterans who risked their lives in the air.

Kemp believes Prince Harry has shown no gratitude or respect for the award he received, suggesting that he was unworthy of it from the start.

Furthermore, Kemp argues that Prince Harry has failed to take responsibility for his actions and decisions, which have tarnished his reputation and strained his relationships with his family and country.

Aviation journalist and author David Learmount also expressed his disapproval of Prince Harry’s confession.

He sees it as a joke and an insult to the aviation industry and its legends, who have earned their recognition and respect through genuine contributions.

Learmount believes Prince Harry’s lack of passion and enthusiasm for aviation is evident, suggesting that he is merely seeking attention and praise for minimal and questionable achievements.

He further criticizes Prince Harry for being a coward and a quitter, running away from his problems and blaming others for his failures and unhappiness.

In light of these criticisms, some argue that Prince Harry should have declined the Living Legends of Aviation Award or, at the very least, been honest and humble about his fear of flying.

They believe he should have apologized and expressed gratitude to those who supported and guided him throughout his career and life.

Specifically, they feel he should have shown respect and appreciation for his brother, Prince William, who is a genuinely accomplished pilot and a dedicated member of the royal family.

Additionally, they believe Prince Harry should have acknowledged his grandfather, Prince Philip, as a true legend of aviation and a role model.

Ultimately, Prince Harry’s revelation about his fear of flying has sparked controversy and raised questions about his credibility and integrity.

While some sympathize with his struggles, others view his actions as hypocritical and lacking in accountability.

As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how this confession will impact Prince Harry’s future endeavors in both aviation and public life.