Prince Harry is set to be honored at the 21st Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards, which has stirred controversy among royal experts.
While some argue that his aviation contributions are not significant enough for the honor, others point to his military service and the creation of the Invictus Games as deserving recognition.
The induction is seen as part of a series of accolades for Harry and Meghan as they continue to pursue various ventures and causes.
“It’s like one small step for the man, but one giant leap for his brand,” British broadcaster Jonathan Sacerdoti said.
“As he and his wife became less and less interesting to the wider world, fading into the realm of yesterday’s news, the increasingly bizarre awards and accolades, which just seem to fall their way, get more and more peculiar.
At a full circle moment, John Travolta handed Harry his medal. Diana was only 24 years old when she stunned the audience with her beauty and grace; it was another Australia trip for #Tamponking which he hated so much 😂 #SussexSquad #PrinceHarry #LivingLegendPrinceHarry❤️ pic.twitter.com/aQmqGfOsrl
— Az (@Az79923807) January 20, 2024
“Who even thinks of him as an aviator anyway?” Sacerdoti added. “It’s hardly the first word that comes to mind when we think about him. It’s not even in the top 10 words. Yes, he’s a pilot, and he did fly in the British Army, but that’s hardly a significant contribution to the aerospace industry. It makes you wonder how far more accomplished military pilots must feel. Were he not related to the king and famous for attacking the royal family and Britain, it’s hard to think he would be given this honor.”
“While Prince Harry did serve bravely and courageously … it doesn’t make him a ‘living legend’ of aviation,” Hilary Fordwich said.
“Objectively, it raises two important questions. By what criteria did he distinguish himself from any others who served in a similar capacity? And what were his significant contributions to aviation and aerospace that others didn’t contribute, too?”
“My prediction is that this might well give great fodder to ‘South Park’ for another skit,” she said.
“My late father was a decorated career naval aviator who survived being shot down over Manilla Bay during WWII,” author Christopher Andersen said. “He went on to be a flight instructor and helicopter test pilot.
“I am impressed by the courage and immense skill it took for Harry to fly combat missions, but does that make him any more deserving than hundreds of other pilots who risked their lives? Of course, Harry has made a huge contribution with his Invictus Games and deserves huge credit for that. But a ‘living legend of aviation?’ That seems a bit much.”
“As heir to the throne, William wasn’t permitted to take too many chances,” Andersen said. “William never saw the kind of fierce action his brother did, as much as he would have liked to.”
“The fact that John Travolta is hosting the ceremony — and in Beverly Hills no less — just screams more glitz and glamour at a time when Harry and Meghan could perhaps tone it down a bit,” he said. “It won’t go over well in the U.K.”
“Prince Harry risked his own life many times as a helicopter pilot … flying into fire-powered environments to rescue injured personnel,” Pelham Turner said. “Thus, any recognition is much deserved as he made sure that he was treated as a soldier, not Prince Harry. He had the total respect of his colleagues.
“But now, in 2024, I hope Harry will further his career and mission, supporting injured military personnel,” he said. “And, hopefully, he will rekindle his relationship with the rest of the royal family. He could be a tremendous asset, as can Meghan, if the royal family becomes leaders of modern British values once more.”
“Harry and Meghan are deeply involved in a wide range of important causes, and they are pursuing plenty of business opportunities. But the sobering fact is that with every passing day, it gets easier for Charles and the rest of the royal family to do without them.”
The ceremony coincides with recent health issues in the royal family, including Kate Middleton’s surgery and the king’s prostate treatment.
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