Netizens Question Prince Harry's Aviation Honor: 'Never Qualified As A Pilot'
Prince Harry is about to receive a new honor for his contribution to aviation or aerospace, but many disagree with it because the duke was allegedly not a qualified pilot.
Per a press release from Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, the Duke of Sussex is among the four honorees for the 21st Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards alongside Fred George, Marc Parent and Steve Hinton. However, the news received a backlash from many netizens who claimed that Meghan Markle's husband wasn't even a qualified pilot.
Several netizens made fun of the report; a few speculated that the Sussexes paid for it, and others asked if it was a joke.
"The man never qualified as a pilot. He was a gunner. Guess unlike his art class at Eton, he wasn't allowed to have someone else take the qualifying exams for him. Wonder how much this purchased fake accolade cost them?" one commented.
Another wrote, "Haha, this is epic because he not only failed his theoretical exam but also his flying test several times. I guess he was upset about not making the Sandhurst yearbook and decided to buy another totally unrealistic award again."
"How much did it cost? The Harkles are broke anyway. I hope they got their money upfront, Harkle is known for not paying for stuff and fishing for freebies," a third person added.
"Is this a joke? What is the legendary stuff that he has done? I am asking seriously! What the heck has he done?" one asked. A different user seemingly agreed, writing, "What a joke," with a face with tears of joy emoji.
This is sad really, Prince Harry is unfit to pilot. Why do the Harkles feel the need to do this ridiculous PR stunt after getting snubbed. Pathetic and so obvious
— Ninasdolcevida (@ninasdolcevida) January 10, 2024
Meanwhile, some fans were happy for Prince Harry and congratulated him for his latest accomplishment.
"I just came for the comments. After all the trolling & bullying people (many in this thread) have done to Prince Harry, he's still winning. More people than ever are proud of his courage," one supporter commented. "Prince Harry is the husband & father the British Royal family never had."
"#WorkShyWilly will not be happy about this... #CongratulationsPrinceHarry," another fan wrote.
A different user shared a video of Prince Harry piloting the Apache and questioned those who alleged he wasn't licensed.
"If the US Military who trained Prince Harry didn't give him his license, then UK Military deployed an unlicensed Apache pilot to command an aircraft in an active war zone? Do you truly understand the implications of your comment?" the netizen asked.
"Prince Harry......the Duke of Sussex...Living Aviation Legend!!" another supporter opined.
If the US Military who trained Prince Harry didn’t give him his license then UK Military deployed an unlicensed Apache pilot to command an aircraft in an active war zone? Do you truly understand the implications of your comment? Is this an unlicensed Harry too? pic.twitter.com/j7nKzo3t5v
— Livvie O L (@lydia83891831) January 11, 2024
Based on Prince Harry's profile on the royal family's website highlighting his military career, he passed his Army Corps Grading and Pilot's Selection Board interview in December 2008 and became an Army Air Corps Pilot in January 2009.
Prince Harry trained on the Apache Attack Helicopter and received his provisional wings from his father, King Charles, Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps (AAC). His experience included two operational tours of Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller in 2007 and 2008 and as an Apache Pilot between September 2012 and January 2013. In July 2013, Prince Harry got qualified as an Apache Aircraft Commander.
