Prince Harry Faces Backlash for Selfie with Controversial ‘Prince’

Prince Harry has found himself in hot water after snapping a selfie with a self-proclaimed German prince at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Los Angeles.

The photo, shared on social media by Prince Mario Max Schoenberglipp, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly given Schoenberglipp's dubious claims of nobility and his history of questionable business ventures.

The Duke of Sussex was at the awards to receive recognition for his military service and charitable efforts.

However, he seemed unaware that Schoenberglipp is not a legitimate member of the German aristocracy.

Instead, he is an adopted son of a distant relative of the Schoenberglipp family, casting doubt on the authenticity of his princely title.

This misstep has drawn sharp rebuke from royal watchers and commentators alike, who are questioning Harry's judgment.

Critics have been quick to highlight the irony of Harry aligning himself with someone who has leveraged a false royal identity for personal gain, especially after he and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties to carve out their own path in the media landscape.

Schoenberglipp's questionable past does not end with his fabricated royal status.

The 46-year-old reality TV star has earned the title of “king of trash TV” in Europe, appearing on shows like Celebrity Big Brother and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

His antics include selling a so-called Wealth Elixir for €99 a bottle, further tarnishing his reputation.

Adding fuel to the fire, Prince Alexander of Schoenberglipp, the head of the family, has publicly denounced Schoenberglipp's actions, accusing him of exploiting their family name for profit.

According to German law, Schoenberglipp has no legal grounds to use the princely title, making his claims even more suspect.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams did not hold back when discussing the implications of Harry's selfie.

He stated that the Duke had made a significant error in judgment, potentially damaging his reputation and strained family ties.

Fitzwilliams emphasized the need for Harry to be more discerning about his associations, particularly in light of the event's low profile.

Biographer Phil Dampier weighed in as well, suggesting that the selfie reflects Harry and Meghan's dwindling popularity and financial struggles since moving to the U.S. Dampier argued that Harry has betrayed his family and heritage, all under the influence of his wife, who he believes has led him astray from his values.

The controversy surrounding Harry's selfie has drawn comparisons to a similar incident involving his late mother, Princess Diana.

In 1995, Diana was photographed with an undercover reporter posing as a wealthy businessman, leading to a scandal that embarrassed the royal family.

Critics argue that Harry's recent actions echo those past mistakes.

Despite the backlash, Harry has continued to express admiration for his mother, raising questions about whether he is repeating her missteps.

Observers caution that he should be wary of Schoenberglipp, who may seek to exploit their connection for his own gain, potentially exposing Harry to further ridicule.

As this saga unfolds, it remains to be seen how Harry will navigate the fallout from this selfie scandal.