[imagesource:gencraftai]

Prince Harry’s Living Legends of Aviation Award has dominated the UK news, and many are calling it ‘ludicrous’.

Harry will receive an aviation honour for his previous military service. The Duke of Sussex is one of four people who will be honoured at the 21st Living Legends of Aviation Awards.

Yet another title is to be bestowed upon the ‘renegade prince’ in recognition of his service as a helicopter pilot in the British Army, which included training missions in the US, UK and Australia, as well as operational tours in the war in Afghanistan.

The prince will be honoured along with three other people on 19 January in Beverly Hills. The venue should provide a clue as to the self-aggrandising nature of the award, with the likes of Kenny G and William Shatner also confirmed to be in attendance. John Travolta is set to host the star-studded event.

“Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is a humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate, and environmentalist. He has dedicated his life to advancing causes that he is passionate about and that bring about permanent change for people and places.”

The organisation’s website defines Living Legends of Aviation as “admirable people of remarkable accomplishment in aviation”.

‘Admirable people’ in this case likely means ‘people who can pull the press’, and ‘remarkable accomplishment’  probably refers to having a helicopter license. This sentiment seems to echo several commentator’s opinions after the announcement was made, including the predictable sour-puss, Piers Morgan, who responded on X with dozens of ‘rolling-on-the-floor emojis.

Piers might be a poepol at times, but the response seems apt in this case.

To many (including me), this award is at best an attempt to suck up to the crown, and at worst a slap in the face to the vast number of pilots out there who deserve recognition much more than Harry needs another pin for his jacket – I can think of a dozen fire-fighting helicopter pilots right here in Cape Town who deserve the title of Living Legend.

There is no denying that Harry did indeed serve his time for queen and country on the front(ish) lines as an aviator, but a living legend of aviation? Howard Hughes must be stalling in his grave.

Stay tuned for the 2024 Medal of Bravery Award bestowed upon Meghan Markle for popping into the shops without any makeup on. Rumour has it The Black Eyed Peas will lip-sync live at the glitzy event.

[source:news24]