Prince Harry’s Fear of Flying Sparks Outrage Among Aviation Experts

In a recent podcast interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry dropped a bombshell that left many in the aviation community reeling.

Despite being honored with the Living Legends of Aviation Award for his service as a helicopter pilot and his contributions to the Invictus Games, he confessed to suffering from a fear of flying, known as aerophobia.

This revelation has ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans and experts alike.

During the candid conversation released on Monday, the Duke of Sussex opened up about the anxiety and panic attacks he experiences whenever he boards an aircraft.

He attributed this phobia to the traumatic experiences he endured during his two tours in Afghanistan, where he was directly involved in combat missions.

The emotional scars from those experiences have haunted him, leading to his current struggles with flying.

Harry also pointed fingers at the relentless media scrutiny and the public pressure that accompanied his royal status, claiming these factors contributed to his fear.

He expressed that the lack of privacy and security he and his wife, Meghan Markle, faced in the UK played a significant role in their decision to relocate to the United States.

The couple sought a more peaceful life for themselves and their children, Archie and Lilibet.

To cope with his fear, Prince Harry revealed that he has sought professional help and therapy.

He shared that meditation and breathing techniques help him manage his anxiety before and during flights.

Despite his fears, he still professes a love for aviation and hopes to reignite his passion for flying in the future.

However, this admission hasn't been well-received by many in the aviation field.

Critics argue that Harry's frequent use of private jets and helicopters contradicts his claims of being an environmentalist and humanitarian.

They see his fear of flying as hypocritical, especially given his past flying experiences since moving to the U.S.

Retired Colonel Richard Kemp, a former British Army officer who served in Afghanistan, expressed his disappointment.

He described Harry's admission as a “slap in the face” to both the aviation community and military veterans.

According to Kemp, the Duke has shown a lack of respect for the award he received, which he believes he did not earn.

Aviation journalist David Learmount echoed similar sentiments, labeling Harry's confession as an insult to those who have genuinely contributed to the field.

Learmount criticized Harry for failing to promote aviation and for appearing to seek fame rather than supporting the industry that recognized him.

He called Harry a “coward” for running away from his responsibilities and blamed others for his unhappiness.

Many critics feel that Prince Harry should have declined the award or at least acknowledged his fear of flying with humility.

They argue that he should express gratitude to those who have supported him throughout his career, particularly his brother, Prince William, who is a dedicated pilot and royal.

Moreover, Harry's critics contend that he has lost credibility and dignity through his actions.

They believe he has betrayed his duty and honor, influenced by Meghan Markle, whom they accuse of using him for her own ambitions.

The narrative suggests that she played a significant role in his departure from royal duties and acceptance of the award.

As the backlash continues, it's clear that Prince Harry's revelation has stirred deep emotions within the aviation community.

His struggle with fear, while personal, raises broader questions about authenticity and responsibility, particularly for someone in his position.

The tension between his royal legacy and his current life choices remains a topic of heated debate.