Prince Harry, also known as the Duke of Sussex, has recently been bestowed with the title of “living legend of aviation” by an organization based in the United States.

However, this honor has not been well received by veteran pilots and military experts, who have expressed their outrage and ridicule.

The former royal, who stepped down from his duties and relocated to California with his wife Meghan Markle, is set to be honored at a ceremony in Beverly Hills on January 19, 2024, alongside other notable figures in the aviation industry.

Despite the anticipation surrounding this award, many have raised concerns regarding its legitimacy and credibility.

The award is granted by the Living Legends of Aviation, a group consisting of 100 individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace.

However, some critics argue that this organization operates as a pay-to-play scheme, allowing individuals to gain entry into the exclusive club through donations or sponsorship of events.

Adding to the controversy is the irony of honoring Prince Harry, who has faced criticism for his frequent use of private jets and helicopters, despite positioning himself as an environmentalist and advocate for sustainable travel.

This contradiction has led to further skepticism regarding the validity of the award.

The most scathing criticism, however, has come from military personnel and experienced pilots.

They have dismissed Prince Harry’s aviation background as inflated and insignificant, accusing him of leveraging his royal status to advance his career and gain recognition.

Additionally, they have challenged his claim of being a humanitarian, citing his involvement in controversial combat missions in Afghanistan, where he allegedly took part in the killing of both Taliban fighters and civilians.

Retired Army Colonel Richard Kemp, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, has been one of the most vocal critics.

He stated, “Harry was a gunner.

He was number two in the aircraft.

He wasn’t even a pilot.

He was just sitting there operating a weapons system, which is a lot less demanding than flying a helicopter.

He’s not even a patch on his grandmother, who trained as a mechanic and driver in the Second World War.

To call him a legend of aviation is just ridiculous.

It’s an insult to the thousands of pilots who have achieved far more than him.”

Another former military pilot, who preferred to remain anonymous, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the preferential treatment Prince Harry received due to his royal status.

This pilot emphasized that Prince Harry never faced the same challenges and risks as his peers, always benefiting from the best instructors and equipment.

They concluded by stating, “He’s not a legend, he’s a pampered prince.”

Amidst the criticism, some have suggested that Prince Harry’s award is part of a public relations strategy orchestrated by his wife, Meghan Markle.

Known for her ambition and manipulation, she has been accused of leveraging her influence and connections to secure the award for her husband, with the aim of enhancing their image and reputation in the United States.

Speculation also surrounds the idea that this award is an attempt to ingratiate themselves with the Hollywood elite, who are known supporters of the Living Legends of Aviation.

A source close to the couple claimed, “Meghan is behind this.

She’s the one who pulls the strings.

She’s the one who has the contacts and the money.

She’s the one who wants to make Harry a star in America.

She’s the one who wants to rub shoulders with the likes of John Travolta and Neil Armstrong.

She’s the one who wants to rewrite history and make Harry a hero.

She’s the one who is desperate for attention and validation.”

This source further described Prince Harry as a puppet, asserting that he simply follows Meghan’s lead and lacks knowledge about aviation or any other field.