Prince Harry, the former royal who controversially left his duties and country behind for a Hollywood lifestyle, has recently been honored as a living legend of aviation.
However, questions arise as to whether this award truly acknowledges his military service or if it is merely a strategic move by his wife, Meghan Markle, to revive their waning relevance and popularity.
Meghan Markle, a former actress and self-proclaimed humanitarian, reportedly paid a staggering $10 million to the Living Legends of Aviation, an organization that claims to celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the aerospace industry.
Led by John Travolta, the official ambassador of aviation, this group has previously inducted renowned figures such as Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, and Elon Musk into its Hall of Fame.
Unlike these celebrities, who either piloted planes or supported aviation causes, Prince Harry’s qualifications are questionable at best.
During his second tour of Afghanistan, Prince Harry served as a co-pilot gunner of an Apache helicopter.
In his controversial memoir, “Spare,” he admitted to killing 25 Taliban fighters, describing them as mere chess pieces to be eliminated before they harm innocent lives.
This revelation has sparked outrage among veterans and military experts, who accuse Prince Harry of trivializing the horrors of war and showing disrespect towards his enemies.
A retired army colonel, speaking anonymously, expressed his discontent, stating, “Harry was a gunner, he was number two in the aircraft, he wasn’t even flying it, he was just pressing the trigger.
To label him a legend of aviation is an insult to the real heroes who risked their lives in the air.”
Moreover, Prince Harry’s award has been criticized as a mockery of his late grandfather, Prince Philip, who held distinguished positions as a naval officer and aviator.
Prince Philip, who passed away in April 2021, was the first member of the royal family to fly a jet aircraft and a helicopter, accumulating over 5,000 hours of flight time.
He also held honorary positions in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, and supported various aviation charities and organizations.
A columnist for the Daily Express, writing under the pseudonym Richard Palmer, claimed that Prince Philip would be deeply disappointed by his grandson’s new award.
The columnist accused Prince Harry of betraying the values of duty, honor, and service, asserting that he had succumbed to the allure of fame and fortune, with Meghan Markle as the mastermind behind it all.
The columnist further alleged that Meghan Markle orchestrated the deal with the Living Legends of Aviation, utilizing the couple’s lucrative contracts with Netflix and Spotify.
Since relocating to California in 2020 after stepping down from their royal roles, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have struggled to maintain their public image and influence, particularly following the underwhelming response to Harry’s book and their podcast.
Meghan Markle is reportedly determined to keep Prince Harry in the spotlight, portraying him as a hero and humanitarian.
She recognizes that his military service is the only aspect that grants him credibility and respect.
Hence, she purchased this dubious award to boost his ego and profile, as well as to establish connections with the esteemed Hollywood community, which values accolades and recognition.
This move is shameless and cynical, highlighting the depths they have sunk to.
As of now, it remains unknown whether the couple will attend the ceremony in Beverly Hills on January 19, and they have not addressed the allegations.
Nevertheless, some of their fans and supporters have come to Prince Harry’s defense, arguing that he deserves recognition for his work with the Invictus Games, a sporting event he founded in 2014 for wounded veterans.
One admirer, expressing support on the subreddit r St Meghan Markle, declared, “Harry is a true living legend of aviation, and I’m incredibly proud of him and Meghan.
They have made substantial contributions to the veteran community and the world.
They serve as an inspiration to us all.
Let’s ignore the haters and trolls, for they are simply envious and bitter.
Harry and Meghan represent the best thing that ever happened to the royal family.”