Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was met with boos and jeers as he attended the Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills on Friday night.
Despite being honored for his service as a helicopter pilot in the British Army, the audience accused him of lying and being hypocritical.
This backlash comes in the wake of criticism aimed at Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, for their extravagant lifestyle and involvement in political and environmental causes.
Since stepping back from their royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California, the couple has signed lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, all while being vocal about issues such as climate change, voting rights, and mental health.
However, many have pointed out the contradictions and inconsistencies in their actions and statements, labeling them as out of touch and self-serving.
For instance, Harry and Meghan have faced backlash for their use of private jets and luxury cars, despite advocating for carbon emission reduction.
Their involvement in the US presidential election also drew criticism, as they were accused of interfering by endorsing Joe Biden over Donald Trump in a video urging Americans to vote.
Attendees at the Aviation Awards, including celebrities, pilots, and veterans, expressed their displeasure towards Harry.
As he took the stage to receive his award, he was met with boos and shouts of “go home” and “traitor.”
Protesters held up signs reading “Harry the liar” and “Harry the hypocrite.”
One protester, claiming to be a former Royal Air Force pilot, expressed disgust at Harry’s behavior and disrespect towards the royal family.
He accused Harry of betraying his country and comrades, arguing that he had no right to be honored as a living legend of aviation.
Another protester, a self-proclaimed fan of the royal family, criticized Harry’s treatment of his father King Charles and his brother Prince William, who had recently undergone surgery.
She accused Harry of lacking concern and compassion, stating that he insulted them by airing their personal matters publicly.
Despite the hostile reception, Harry attempted to deliver his acceptance speech.
He thanked the organizers for the award and commended the work of the Kitty Hawk Air Academy, a non-profit organization focused on sparking children’s interest in aviation through education.
Harry also discussed his experience as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan and his involvement in the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded military personnel and veterans.
Unfortunately, his speech was drowned out by the angry crowd’s chants and boos.
Following the incident, Harry was escorted off the stage by security and left the venue promptly.
He did not engage with the press or pose for photos with other honorees, including Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sanchez and actor William Shatner.
This appearance marked Harry’s first public event since dropping a libel claim against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday.
The claim alleged that he had tried to keep details of his legal battle to reinstate his police protection secret from the public.
A ruling was scheduled between May and July, but Harry’s lawyers filed a notice of discontinuance at the High Court in London.
A spokesperson for Harry emphasized his focus on his family’s safety and his legal action against the Home Office.
However, sources close to Harry revealed that he was deeply hurt and shocked by the reception at the Aviation Awards.
They conveyed his feelings of being unwelcome and unwanted in the U.S., highlighting his struggle with the decision to leave the royal family and his sense of loneliness and isolation in California.
These sources also mentioned Harry’s longing for his home and friends in the U.K., as well as his regret for certain actions and statements made over the past year.
Consequently, they revealed that Harry was contemplating a return to the U.K. to mend fences with his family and country, acknowledging the realization that marrying Meghan Markle had been a significant mistake that left him unhappy and unfulfilled.