Prince Harry: A Royal 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 and questions.

This organization, which claims to honor significant contributions to the aerospace industry, has recently come under scrutiny.

Many wonder if this accolade is truly a recognition of Harry's military service or merely a strategic move by his wife, Meghan Markle, to revive their dwindling public image.

Meghan Markle, known for her Hollywood background and humanitarian claims, reportedly paid a staggering $10 million to secure this honor for her husband.

The Living Legends of Aviation is led by none other than John Travolta, a well-known figure in the aviation community.

Previous inductees include big names like Tom Cruise and Elon Musk, all of whom have either piloted aircraft themselves or actively supported aviation initiatives.

In contrast, Prince Harry's ties to aviation seem far less impressive.

During his military career, Harry served as a co-pilot gunner on an Apache helicopter in Afghanistan.

He made headlines with his memoir, “Spare,” where he controversially stated that he had killed 25 Taliban fighters, referring to them as mere chess pieces removed from a board.

This admission has sparked outrage among veterans and military analysts alike, who argue that he has trivialized the grim realities of warfare.

A retired army colonel expressed deep concern over Harry's portrayal of his military service, stating, “Harry was a gunner, not even the pilot.

To label him a legend of aviation is an affront to those who truly risked their lives in the air.” Such statements highlight the discontent surrounding Harry's new title and the implications it carries.

Moreover, this award has drawn ire for what many perceive as a slight against Prince Harry's late grandfather, Prince Philip.

The Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away in April 2021, was a distinguished naval officer and an accomplished aviator with over 5,000 flying hours.

He held numerous honorary positions in the Royal Air Force and Navy, making Harry's recognition appear even more questionable.

Columnist Richard Palmer, writing for the Daily Express, remarked that Prince Philip would be “rotating in his grave” over this latest development.

He suggested that Harry has betrayed the values his grandfather embodied—duty, honor, and service—by chasing fame and fortune instead.

This sentiment resonates with many who feel that Harry has strayed from his royal roots.

Critics have also pointed fingers at Meghan, alleging that she masterminded the deal with the Living Legends of Aviation.

They claim she is using their lucrative Netflix and Spotify contracts to bolster Harry's image, especially following the lukewarm reception of his memoir and their podcast.

The couple's move to California in 2020 seems to have intensified their struggle to maintain relevance.

Many believe Meghan is desperate to keep Harry in the limelight, hoping to reframe him as a heroic figure through this award.

His military service is one of the few aspects of his life that still garners respect, prompting speculation that this award is a calculated effort to enhance his public persona.

Despite the backlash, some supporters have rallied around Harry, defending his recognition.

Advocates point to his work with the Invictus Games, a sporting event he founded for wounded veterans, as a testament to his commitment to the veteran community.

One fan on social media expressed pride in Harry and Meghan, asserting that they are inspirations who deserve accolades.

The couple has yet to confirm their attendance at the upcoming ceremony in Beverly Hills on January 19.

They have remained silent regarding the criticisms surrounding the award.

However, the ongoing debate about whether this honor is genuine or simply a publicity stunt continues to capture public attention.

As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how this award will impact their already complex relationship with the royal family and the public.