Prince Harry’s Legend of Aviation award is being criticised by aviation fans and army experts.
The Duke of Sussex is set to be inducted next Friday at an awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California but some military experts believe that Harry does not deserve the award.
The award is to honour those who have made a significant contribution to aviation and aerospace.
Harry spent 10 years in the military and rose to the rank of Captain.
Prince Harry spent 10 years in the military.
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During his two tours of Afghanistan, he was an air controller and an Apache helicopter pilot. He also flew many training missions in the UK, Australia and the US.
Event officials pointed to Harry’s involvement with military charities and organisations to merit his induction, but army officials believe it is not “extraordinary” enough to receive the award.
Retired military officer Colonel Richard Kemp argued that Prince Harry is only receiving the award because of his fame.
Kemp told The Sun: “He was a gunner in an Apache helicopter in Afghanistan but so were many, many other people.
Harry is involved in charities and organisation for wounded military personnel.
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“I can think of many people who did pretty extraordinary things while serving in the British and American armed forces which would be much more deserving of an award like this.
“It is obviously because of who he is - not what he did. An Apache is crewed by two people - a pilot and a gunner. Harry was a gunner. He was number two in the aircraft.”
Other 2024 inductees include US navy pilot, Fred George, former world speed record holder, Steve Hinton and President and CEO of CAE, Marc Parent.
Col Kemp continued: “There have been some incredible aeronautical exports from helicopter pilots in Afghanistan, Iraq and other war zones.
Neil Armstrong was awarded the ‘Legend of Aviation’ award.
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Harry set up the Invictus Games for wounded veterans.
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“As far as I’m aware Harry - though I commend him for going out there and doing it - did not accomplish feats like these.”
However, the website pointed to the duke’s charity work, and combat missions in Afghanistan where he saved allied forces and civilians.
The event’s website stated: “A British Army veteran and pilot with ten years military service, flying training missions in the US, UK and Australia, as well as combat missions in Afghanistan saving the lives of allied forces and countless civilians, and creator of the Invictus Games for wounded service members and veterans around the world.”
Harry works with several charities including Travalyst, Sentebale, African Parks, WellChild and the Invictus Games.
While the prince was in the army, he witnessed fellow servicemen being injured and set up the Invictus Games to rehabilitate wounded, injured and sick troops.