Prince Harry may end up viewing his new role as a “living legend of aviation” as a “bit of a mixed bag”, a royal author has claimed.
The decision to induct the Duke of Sussex sparked both praise and criticism – including from former Armed Forces officers – but primarily led to a huge debate, which may have been the objective, suggests royal expert Tom Quinn.
Daily Express US spoke to Mr Quinn, who shared his thoughts on the nomination, saying: “The fact that we are talking about it and lots of people are expressing surprise indicates that it is something of a publicity stunt.”
He added: “It’s certainly true that Harry was a pilot and flew during two tours of Afghanistan, but that is true of many other British and American pilots.
“Having said that I think it will be a bit of a mixed blessing because a lot of people will say that it’s ridiculous to give this to Harry given that so many other people flew. And have flown in conflicts all over the world.”
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It’s not clear if this will be welcomed by Harry, as a lot of people may question the authenticity of the honour.
Mr Quinn added: “People are bound to say that Harry is only being honoured in this way, because he’s a member of the Royal family and he won’t like that at all.”
Living Legends of Aviation executive director Stacey Elsner told the Daily Express the decision to include Harry in the Aviation Hall of Fame was the result of a lengthy revision process after his name was submitted for consideration.
Ms Elsner said: “The members of the Living Legends of Aviation submit their nominations for induction and award honors each year in the spring.
“These nominations are then provided to the appropriate committees, and the committees make their selections for that year’s inductions and honors.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, January 19, hosted by John Travolta, who is a pilot and a friend of the Sussexes, it’s being said. The three were seen having lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Club last summer.
The Kiddie Hawk Air Academy released a statement, saying, “The Living Legends of Aviation are remarkable people of extraordinary accomplishment in aviation/aerospace; they include entrepreneurs, innovators, industry leaders, astronauts, record breakers, pilots who have become celebrities and celebrities who have become pilots. More than 100 men and women from across the world are among their ranks.”
Harry will be joining the likes of Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong in the Aviation Hall of Fame.
