Aviation Legends Call for Revocation of Prince Harry’s Award Amid Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, a coalition of aviation icons, including descendants of the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Neil Armstrong, has initiated a petition to rescind Prince Harry's Living Legend of Aviation Award.

This award, bestowed upon him by the non-profit organization Living Legends of Aviation on January 19, 2024, in Beverly Hills, has sparked outrage among those who believe it to be a fraudulent accolade.

The petition has quickly gained traction, amassing over 10,000 signatures from individuals who feel that the Duke of Sussex is unworthy of such recognition.

While the award ceremony, hosted by John Travolta, praised Prince Harry for his remarkable achievements as a former British Army helicopter pilot, critics argue that the narrative surrounding his military service is misleading.

According to the petitioners, Prince Harry's claims about flying combat missions in Afghanistan are not only exaggerated but also fundamentally untrue.

They reference a 2023 article from The Telegraph, which suggested that during his second tour in Afghanistan (2012-2013), he was largely shielded from danger.

The article included statements from senior military personnel, asserting that Harry was “never in danger” and spent most of his time “behind the wire.”

One officer went so far as to describe Harry's experience as that of a “glorified chauffeur,” expressing that the prince's desire to engage in real combat was thwarted by the protective measures in place.

This has led the petitioners to accuse Prince Harry of exploiting his military background for personal gain, particularly following his departure from royal duties alongside Meghan Markle in 2020.

The petitioners are vocal about their belief that Prince Harry has betrayed fellow service members and veterans by leveraging what they deem to be embellished credentials.

They argue that this behavior disrespects those who genuinely risk their lives in military service, casting a shadow over the sacrifices made by true heroes.

Further complicating matters, the petitioners have placed some blame on Meghan Markle, alleging that she has influenced Prince Harry's decisions regarding the award and his departure from royal responsibilities.

They claim that her manipulation has led him to accept accolades that do not align with his actual contributions.

In light of these concerns, the petitioners are demanding a public apology from both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the aviation community and the broader public.

They also insist that the Living Legends of Aviation reconsider their selection criteria, advocating for a focus on individuals who have genuinely advanced the field of aviation and aerospace.

The backlash against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has resonated with several celebrities and public figures, who have joined in criticizing the couple for perceived hypocrisy.

Notable figures like Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne, Howard Stern, Bethany Frankel, and Chris Rock have all voiced their disapproval, particularly in response to the couple's portrayal of themselves in their Netflix docuseries, “Harry and Meghan.”

As of now, neither the Living Legends of Aviation nor Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly addressed the petition.