Prince Harry: A Controversial Honor or a PR Stunt?

In a surprising twist, Prince Harry has been dubbed a “living legend of aviation” by the Living Legends of Aviation, a title that raises eyebrows.

Critics are questioning whether this recognition is a genuine tribute to his military service or merely a clever public relations maneuver orchestrated by his wife, Meghan Markle.

The couple, who traded royal duties for a life in Hollywood, seem to be grasping for relevance amid mounting scrutiny.

Meghan Markle reportedly shelled out a staggering $10 million to secure this honor from the organization, which aims to celebrate significant contributions to the aerospace industry.

Headed by none other than John Travolta, the group has previously welcomed big names like Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, and Elon Musk into its ranks.

Yet, unlike these figures, Harry's aviation credentials appear far less impressive.

Harry served as a co-pilot gunner on an Apache helicopter during his second tour in Afghanistan.

However, his admission in his memoir about killing 25 Taliban fighters—describing them as mere chess pieces—has sparked considerable backlash.

Many veterans and military experts argue that his comments trivialize the grim realities of war and show a lack of respect for those who lost their lives.

A retired army colonel, who chose to remain anonymous, criticized the award, stating that Harry's role was limited to pressing the trigger while someone else piloted the aircraft.

“To call him a legend of aviation is an insult to the real heroes,” he remarked, emphasizing the valor of those who truly risk their lives in the skies.

Adding to the controversy, many believe that this award mocks the legacy of Prince Philip, Harry's late grandfather.

Prince Philip was not only a distinguished naval officer but also an accomplished aviator, logging over 5,000 flight hours and holding various honorary positions in the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.

Columnist Richard Palmer expressed that Prince Philip would be turning in his grave at the thought of his grandson receiving such an accolade.

Palmer further accused Harry of betraying the values his grandfather stood for, including duty and service.

He suggested that Meghan is the mastermind behind this latest move, allegedly using funds from their lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify to arrange this dubious honor.

Since relocating to California in 2020, Harry and Meghan have struggled to maintain their public image, especially following the lukewarm reception of Harry's memoir and their podcast.

Some observers speculate that Meghan is eager to keep Harry in the limelight, hoping to elevate his profile in the humanitarian sphere.

Critics argue that the award appears to be a desperate attempt to bolster Harry's image, leveraging his military service as a means to gain credibility.

They view it as a shameless strategy to align themselves with Hollywood's elite, who often place great value on accolades and recognition.

Despite the criticism, some supporters have come to Harry's defense.

They argue that he deserves recognition for founding the Invictus Games, a sporting event aimed at wounded veterans.

One fan expressed pride in Harry and Meghan, proclaiming them an inspiration to the veteran community and dismissing detractors as simply envious.

As the couple prepares for the award ceremony scheduled for January 19 in Beverly Hills, they have yet to comment on the swirling allegations.

The ongoing debate surrounding this honor highlights the complexities of their post-royal life and the challenges they face in carving out a new identity away from the British monarchy.