However, according to a report by Neil Shaw, the award was initially offered to Prince William, who graciously declined, leading to the decision to honor Prince Harry instead. Colonel Richard Kemp voiced criticism against Harry, referring to the award as little more than a gathering of celebrities massaging each other's egos. He suggested that the move was driven by publicity, highlighting the prince's celebrity status rather than his military achievements.
Colonel Kemp emphasized that many military pilots, both helicopter and fixed-wing, have undertaken extraordinary feats of valor and phenomenal aviation, actions that he argued surpassed Prince Harry's contributions. Despite Harry's two tours in Afghanistan as a Forward Air Controller and an Apache helicopter pilot, Colonel Kemp pointed out that the prince was not the top-ranking individual in his own helicopter, serving as the gunner, the second position.
GB News host Steven Dixon echoed these sentiments, claiming that Prince Harry's living legend of aviation award seemed to be more about his royal status than his actual accomplishments. It's worth noting that both Prince Harry and Prince William trained as helicopter pilots at the Defense Helicopter Flying School in 2009, marking an important intersection in their military careers. While living together during this period, the brothers even engaged in a joint interview, exchanging fraternal jabs about their experiences and skills as pilots.
