Prince Harry’s Past Resurfaces Amid Backlash Over WWII Miniseries Critique

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has found himself in hot water recently after voicing strong criticisms of the upcoming World War II miniseries “Masters of the Air.”

Produced by Hollywood heavyweights Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the series features Austin Butler portraying one of the brave American bomber pilots who fought against Nazi Germany.

Living in California with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry's comments have sparked significant backlash.

Harry labeled the show as “inaccurate,” “biased,” and “disrespectful” to the British and Commonwealth forces who also played a vital role in the air war.

However, what he didn't anticipate was the swift response from Butler, Spielberg, and Hanks.

They decided to bring to light Harry's own controversial past, specifically an incident from 2005 where he was caught on camera wearing a swastika armband at a friend's costume party.

The trio revealed they had obtained a copy of the infamous video, which had originally leaked to the press years ago.

They planned to showcase it publicly to highlight what they deemed hypocrisy on Harry's part, questioning his right to critique their work and historical representation.

At a recent press conference in Los Angeles, they unveiled the footage, which depicted a young Prince Harry, then a cadet at Sandhurst, laughing with friends while donning a Nazi uniform.

In the video, Harry was seen making Nazi salutes and mockingly saying “Heil Hitler” in a German accent.

This footage, which caused outrage back in 2005, was viewed as deeply offensive—an insult to the memory of millions lost in the Holocaust and those who stood against Hitler's regime.

Following the scandal, Harry issued a public apology, expressing regret for any offense caused by his poor choice of costume.

However, Butler, Spielberg, and Hanks were not satisfied with that apology.

They sought to expose what they perceived as Harry's true character, suggesting he lacked respect for the sacrifices made by Allied forces, particularly American airmen.

Drawing inspiration from Donald L. Miller's book “Masters of the Air,” they aimed to honor the bravery of those who flew the B-17 Flying Fortress, known for its high casualty rates.

The filmmakers argued that Harry's criticism was unfounded and that he should feel ashamed for ever wearing a Nazi symbol, especially given his claims of being an advocate for human rights and social justice.

They pointed out the contradiction of a member of the royal family, an institution with a long history of colonialism, positioning himself as a champion for the oppressed.

Determined to tell the authentic story of World War II, they expressed confidence that their series would educate viewers about the real history of the conflict.

They emphasized that they would not allow Harry or anyone else to silence their narrative.

With the support of veterans, historians, and fans, they praised their project as a masterpiece of filmmaking.

Moreover, they highlighted the backing of Apple TV+, which provided them with both creative freedom and the necessary budget to ensure authenticity.

In a surprising turn, they also took aim at Meghan Markle, labeling her as manipulative and greedy, suggesting she had used Harry to advance her own fame.

They claimed to possess evidence linking her to leaks regarding Harry's past relationships, including one with actress Rachel Zane from “Suits.”

The filmmakers hinted at revealing more details about Markle's alleged schemes in the future, suggesting that Harry might reconsider his decision to leave the royal family.

They expressed a belief that he still had the potential for redemption and could return to serve his country.

Despite the controversy, they remain proud of their upcoming show, eagerly anticipating its premiere on January 26, 2024.

Their hope is that it will resonate with audiences, inspiring and entertaining millions while shedding light on the heroism of those who fought during the war.