Prince Harry Faces Backlash as Aviation Legends Snub His Award Ceremony

In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry is finding himself at the center of controversy as multiple aviation icons have declined invitations to his upcoming award ceremony.

The Duke of Sussex, who stepped back from royal duties and relocated to California with his wife Meghan Markle, is set to receive the Living Legend of Aviation Award during a gala in Beverly Hills on January 19, 2024.

The event will be hosted by none other than John Travolta.

This award, handed out by a self-appointed group of 100 notable figures in aviation and aerospace, aims to celebrate extraordinary accomplishments in the field.

However, many in the aviation community are questioning the decision to honor Prince Harry, who served as a helicopter pilot in the British Army for a decade.

Critics argue that his experience pales in comparison to past recipients like Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Chuck Yeager, and Amelia Earhart.

One notable figure who has publicly rejected the invitation is Bob Hoover, a legendary test pilot and air show performer.

Hoover expressed his dismay to the Daily Mail, stating that he finds the award absurd.

“Prince Harry is not a legend of anything, let alone aviation,” he remarked.

According to him, while Harry did serve in Afghanistan, that doesn't elevate him to legendary status.

Hoover believes this recognition is more about celebrity than genuine achievement in aviation.

Burt Rutten, an acclaimed aerospace engineer known for designing groundbreaking aircraft, also voiced his disapproval.

He labeled the award as a disgrace and indicated that he would not attend the ceremony.

Rutten criticized Harry for living a life of luxury while claiming to care about environmental issues.

“He has done nothing to advance aviation,” Rutten said, dismissing Harry as a “legend of hypocrisy and mediocrity.”

Patti Wagstaff, a three-time U.S. national aerobatic champion and member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, shared her confusion over the award.

While she acknowledged Harry as a nice person, she firmly stated that he lacks the credentials to be considered a legend in aviation.

“He's a legend of tabloids and Netflix, exploiting his royal status for fame,” she commented, emphasizing that his lack of passion for aviation disqualifies him from such honors.

The criticism doesn't stop there.

Many have raised eyebrows over Prince Harry's credibility as an advocate for aviation, especially given the couple's controversial lifestyle choices.

Both Harry and Meghan have faced accusations of hypocrisy regarding their environmental activism, often flying on private jets while preaching about climate change.

This contradiction has left many questioning the validity of Harry's recognition.

Adding to the scrutiny, Prince Harry and Meghan's popularity has taken a significant hit following their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2023.

During that interview, they made serious allegations against the royal family and the British media, which have not been well received in the U.K. Their subsequent projects, including Harry's memoir “Spare” and the documentary “Harry and Meghan,” have also drawn mixed reactions.

Despite the backlash, Prince Harry has remained silent on the criticisms surrounding his award.

Nevertheless, he is expected to attend the ceremony alongside Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet.

The event promises to attract other high-profile attendees, including celebrities like Elon Musk, Tom Cruise, and Harrison Ford.

As the date approaches, it remains to be seen how the public and aviation community will react to this gala honoring Prince Harry.

With so many legends of the industry choosing to stay away, the legitimacy of the award is increasingly under scrutiny.

The situation raises questions about what it truly means to be a “legend” in aviation and whether celebrity status can overshadow real accomplishments.

For now, the whispers of discontent among aviation experts continue to grow louder, suggesting that this award ceremony may not unfold as smoothly as planned.

Whether Prince Harry will address these concerns or simply proceed with the event remains uncertain.

But one thing is clear: the road ahead is riddled with skepticism and doubt.