The Duke of Sussex, who left his royal duties for a Hollywood lifestyle, was honored by The Living Legends of Aviation, a group known for recognizing significant contributions to the aerospace industry.
However, skeptics question the authenticity of this award, especially considering Prince Harry's controversial military memoir.
Megan Markle, the former actress, reportedly paid a substantial $10 million to The Living Legends of Aviation, raising concerns about the credibility of the award.
Unlike other recipients associated with aviation causes, Prince Harry's aviation credentials are under scrutiny. As a co-pilot gunner of an Apache helicopter during his military service, he admitted in his memoir to killing 25 Taliban fighters, sparking criticism from veterans and military experts who accuse him of trivializing the horrors of war.
The award has not only faced skepticism for its authenticity but has also been criticized for potentially disrespecting Prince Harry's late grandfather, Prince Philip. A distinguished naval officer and aviator, Prince Philip logged over 5,000 hours of flying time, held honorary positions in the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, and patronized various aviation charities. Critics argue that Prince Harry's award diminishes the legacy of Prince Philip, who passed away in 2021.
A columnist for the Daily Express suggested that Megan Markle, accused of manipulating her husband, orchestrated the award deal using funds from their lucrative contracts with Netflix and Spotify. The columnist claimed that this move was driven by Megan's desire to keep Harry in the spotlight and enhance his humanitarian image. The couple, who have been struggling with their public image, especially after the lackluster performance of Harry's book and podcast, is accused of resorting to a cynical and shameless tactic.
Despite the allegations, some fans defend Prince Harry's award, citing his work with the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded veterans that he founded in 2014. Supporters view Harry and Megan as inspirations to the veteran community, while critics argue that the couple's actions reflect a desperate attempt to stay relevant, even if it means compromising their integrity. The controversy surrounding the award adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of the couple's actions and motives.
