Prince Harry’s Army Anecdote Faces Backlash from Former Instructor

In his memoir “Spare,” Prince Harry shares vivid and sometimes controversial stories from his life, including his decade-long experience in the British Army.

However, one particular account has drawn skepticism, prompting his former instructor to publicly refute the prince's claims.

The story revolves around a flight training incident that Harry describes in great detail, but it has left ex-Sergeant Major Michael Booley both shocked and dismayed.

Harry recounts a dramatic moment during his training where he alleges that Booley intentionally stalled their Slingsby T67 Firefly propeller plane without any prior warning.

This assertion has raised eyebrows, as Booley firmly denies that such an event could have occurred.

In an interview with the Sunday Mirror, he expressed his disbelief, stating, “I'm staggered by this, in shock even.”

The prince's description of the incident paints a chaotic picture, suggesting that he experienced a near-death situation.

He writes, “I felt the left wing dip, a sickening feeling of disorder, of entropy, and then after several seconds that felt like decades, he recovered the aircraft and levelled the wings.”

This portrayal has led many to question the accuracy of Harry's memories, especially given the history of inaccuracies in his book.

Booley, who trained Harry to pilot the Firefly back in 2009, insists that every flight is meticulously planned and briefed beforehand.

He emphasizes that surprises only emerge later in training when emergency scenarios are introduced.

“Nothing in the cockpit comes as a surprise,” Booley stated, underlining the structured nature of military training.

Despite the discrepancies in Harry's account, Booley maintains respect for the prince.

He acknowledges that while the book praises him, the recollections of their sorties and lessons do not align with reality.

He refutes the claim that he ever referred to Harry as “Lieutenant Wales,” asserting instead that he addressed him as “sir” throughout their time together.

The controversy surrounding “Spare” doesn't end with Booley's remarks.

Edward Coram James, a PR expert specializing in reputation management, criticized the way Harry's stories are presented.

He argues that the memoir violates key principles of managing one's public image, particularly when it comes to authenticity.

James points out that while Harry expresses a desire for family reconciliation, his ongoing criticisms of them can appear contradictory.

“He risks appearing insincere,” James warns, noting that credibility can be easily damaged when inconsistencies arise in one's narrative.

Moreover, Harry's criticism of the Royal family for not correcting the story about Meghan Markle allegedly making Kate Middleton cry adds another layer to the scrutiny of his words.

It took Harry nearly a year to clarify his stance during an ITV interview in January 2023, leading some to question his commitment to transparency.

The fallout from these revelations raises broader questions about the impact of personal narratives on public perception.

As Harry navigates his complex relationship with the Royal family, the accuracy of his accounts becomes increasingly significant.

In a world where reputation is paramount, the discrepancies in “Spare” may overshadow the more heartfelt intentions Harry claims to convey.

The public's reaction to his memoir suggests that storytelling—especially when intertwined with personal experiences—carries a weight that can either build or destroy credibility.

As the debate continues, both supporters and critics of the Duke of Sussex will be watching closely.

The intersection of personal narrative and public image remains a delicate balance, one that Harry must navigate carefully as he shares his journey with the world.