Prince Harry is set to be honored for his contributions to aviation and aerospace, but his invitation to the awards ceremony has been met with controversy.
Many argue that the Duke of Sussex was not a qualified pilot, casting doubt on his eligibility for the award.
Former military personnel, including his superiors and colleagues, have voiced their opposition, stating that Harry did not achieve anything exceptional during his time in the army.
While it is true that Harry underwent pilot training, his role was that of a co-pilot and gunner WSO.
Critics argue that the award essentially recognizes him for simply carrying out his duties a decade ago, under heavy protection from fellow soldiers, which earned him the nickname “Bunker Harry.”
The Kitty Hawk Air Academy, in a press release, announced Harry as one of the four honorees for the 21st Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards, alongside Fred George, Mark Parent, and Steve Hinton.
However, this announcement has faced backlash from many netizens who claim that Meghan Markle’s husband lacked the necessary qualifications to be considered a pilot.
The aviation community has expressed skepticism about Harry’s extraordinary accomplishments in the field.
An online petition initiated by US Pilots has garnered over 12,000 signatures, urging the organizers to reconsider the honor bestowed upon Harry.
The petition argues that his role as a co-pilot and gunner on Apache helicopters in Afghanistan was exaggerated, and that he did not save the lives of allied forces or countless civilians, as claimed.
The petition further dismisses the information presented as inaccurate, calling it a travesty that such a prestigious organization would overlook the genuine heroes who risk their lives daily in service to their countries.
Social media platforms have also been flooded with scathing comments, with one post sarcastically suggesting that every military pilot in the world should receive the same award based on their accomplishments.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 19, 2024, at the Beverly Hilton.
As expected, the event will feature a private photographer capturing moments, and Meghan Markle is likely to seize the opportunity for some positive publicity.
Interestingly, it was recently revealed that Prince Harry purchased annual Living Legends of Aviation awards from actor John Travolta.
This revelation has sparked speculation, with some suggesting that Meghan Markle, who is now signed with Hollywood talent agency William Morris Endeavor, may have orchestrated the nomination through her connections.
Social media users have questioned the involvement of William Morris Endeavor, as they represent John Travolta but not Prince Harry.
One theory suggests that the agency may have facilitated the payment for the award without leaving any traceable links.
Another user speculates that since the agency is aware of the event, they could have pitched it to their clients, including Harry.
Some even theorize that this move is part of the couple’s “Year of Redemption” strategy.
Critics argue that Prince Harry seems to have forgotten the traditions of the royal family, which typically bestows awards upon others rather than accepting them.
They claim that his actions and behavior are common and go against the very essence of royalty, suggesting that he has strayed far from the values instilled in him during his upbringing.