In a recent twist of events, Prince Harry finds himself grappling with a new form of military humiliation as a book highlighting notable figures from Sandhurst Academy fails to mention the Duke of Sussex.
The Royal Military Academy of Sandhurst, renowned globally, saw Prince Harry as a cadet in May 2005, and his military service played a pivotal role in shaping his identity. Notably, his commitment to the military led to the establishment of the Invictus Games, a flagship initiative focused on sports competitions for veterans and those injured in acts of service.
This omission comes as a significant blow to Prince Harry, considering the impact of his military service on his personal growth. Intriguingly, the book features his brother, Prince William, who not only appears within its pages but also pens the prologue. Other noteworthy individuals, such as James Blunt, Winston Churchill, Nigerian President Murtala Mohammed, and Oscar-winning actor David Niven, are acknowledged as "exceptional individuals" in the publication, totaling 200 inclusions.
The absence of Prince Harry from this prestigious compilation follows the publication of his memoir, "In the Shadow," nearly a year ago. In the controversial memoir, Prince Harry not only criticized the British Royal Family but also claimed to have killed 25 Taliban during his deployment in Afghanistan, viewing them as "chess pieces" rather than individuals. This led to backlash from the military, with former British Army Colonel Richard Kemp labeling his words as "a betrayal of the people he fought alongside." Kemp suggests that Prince Harry's recent strained relationship with the Royal Family may be a factor in his exclusion from the academy's book.
Prince Harry underwent a comprehensive 44-week training course at Sandhurst in 2005, subsequently becoming an officer in the Household Cavalry Blues and Royals in April 2006. His decade-long military service included roles as a forward air controller in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2008 and as an Apache helicopter pilot from 2012 to 2013.
In January 2020, following the 'Sandringham Summit,' the Duke and Duchess of Sussex experienced a reduction in titles and privileges upon leaving the British Royal Family, including the loss of military distinctions such as captain general of the Royal Navy, honorary commander of the Air Force, and chief commodore of small ships and diving.
