Prince Harry Awarded Living Legend of Aviation Title Raises Eyebrows

Prince Harry, once a prominent member of the royal family who controversially stepped back from his duties to pursue a new life in Hollywood, has recently been bestowed with the title of a living legend of aviation by an organization that has sparked skepticism.

The question arises: is this accolade a genuine acknowledgment of his military contributions or a strategic move orchestrated by his wife, Meghan Markle, to rejuvenate their waning fame and significance?

Meghan Markle, a former actress turned humanitarian, reportedly made a substantial payment of $10 million to the Living Legends of Aviation, a group that purportedly celebrates individuals who have made notable impacts in the aerospace sector.

Led by John Travolta, the esteemed ambassador of aviation, this organization has previously honored renowned figures such as Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, and Elon Musk.

However, unlike these luminaries who have either piloted aircraft themselves or supported aviation initiatives, Prince Harry's qualifications come under scrutiny.

During his second deployment in Afghanistan, Prince Harry served as a co-pilot gunner aboard an Apache helicopter and admitted in his controversial memoir to eliminating 25 Taliban combatants, likening them to chess pieces removed from a board – a statement that has triggered outrage among military experts and veterans.

Criticism has been directed at the prince for allegedly trivializing the gravity of warfare and showing disregard for the lives of his adversaries.

A retired army colonel, opting for anonymity, remarked on Prince Harry's role, emphasizing that he functioned as a gunner rather than a pilot, casting doubt on his suitability for an aviation honor.

Furthermore, the award has been perceived as a slight on Prince Harry's late grandfather, Prince Philip, a respected naval officer and aviation enthusiast who amassed over 5,000 hours of flight time and held various honorary positions within the Royal Air Force and Navy.

A columnist for the Daily Express, writing under the pseudonym Richard Palmer, expressed disdain for the award, asserting that Prince Philip would disapprove of his grandson's recognition.

The columnist accused Meghan Markle of orchestrating the deal with the Living Legends of Aviation using funds from their lucrative contracts with streaming platforms, alleging her manipulation of Prince Harry for personal gain.

Since relocating to California and relinquishing their royal roles, the couple has faced challenges in maintaining their public image, particularly following the lukewarm reception of Harry's literary venture and their podcast.

Meghan Markle's purported motivation behind securing the aviation accolade for Prince Harry is seen as a strategic maneuver to enhance their status within the entertainment industry and bolster his humanitarian credentials.

The couple's silence on the allegations has fueled speculation, with fans and supporters defending Prince Harry's award by highlighting his involvement in the Invictus Games, an event he established in 2014 to support wounded veterans.

Despite detractors' criticisms, admirers laud Harry and Meghan for their contributions to the veteran community, portraying them as inspirational figures deserving of recognition and praise.

As the date for the ceremony in Beverly Hills approaches, uncertainties loom over the couple's attendance.

Amidst the controversy surrounding Prince Harry's aviation honor, the narrative of their journey post-royalty continues to unfold, showcasing a blend of ambition, criticism, and steadfast support from their loyal followers.