Prince Harry's upcoming recognition as a "living legend" in aviation at the 21st annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards has triggered criticism from industry specialists.
The awards ceremony, set to take place in Beverly Hills, aims to honor Prince Harry for his contributions to aviation and aerospace, particularly for his combat flights in Afghanistan.
Hosted by licensed pilot and Hollywood actor John Travolta, the event will feature Harry alongside esteemed figures in aviation like Buzz Aldrin, Jeff Bezos, Tom Cruise, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman, Elon Musk, and Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud.
However, former military personnel have expressed skepticism about the choice. Lord Alan West, former Royal Navy Chief of Staff, described the decision as "pathetic," stating, "He is not a living legend of aviation. To suggest he is is pathetic. It makes the whole thing seem a bit of a nonsense if they’re willing to pick someone like Prince Harry."
Retired Army colonel Richard Kemp, who served in Afghanistan, labeled the award as "celebrities massaging each other's egos." He emphasized that many others who served in the British and American armed forces deserve such recognition more than Prince Harry, asserting, "It is obviously because of who he is - not what he did."
