Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has been notably excluded from a prestigious publication by the Sandhurst Military Academy, which lists its 200 most distinguished graduates. The book, titled "They Also Served: 200 People Who Trained At Sandhurst," authored by Vaughan Kent-Payne, omits Prince Harry while including his brother, Prince William, who also contributed the foreword.
The exclusion is seen as a significant snub to Prince Harry, who completed a 44-week training course at Sandhurst in 2005 and served in the British Army, including two tours in Afghanistan. His military achievements include acting as a Forward Air Controller and an Apache Pilot, and reaching the rank of Captain in 2011. Harry is also known for founding the Invictus Games for wounded military personnel.
However, recent controversies, particularly his candid revelations in his memoir "Spare" about his military experiences, may have influenced the decision to leave him out of the guide. In "Spare," Harry disclosed that he killed 25 people while on duty in Afghanistan, stating he was taught to see the enemy as "less than human," a claim that has been criticized by military figures.
Richard Kemp, a former British Army Commander, expressed understanding of the decision to exclude Harry, saying, "I don't think he did anything particularly notable during his service but he was certainly a significant person to go to Sandhurst." Kemp also mentioned that recent tensions between Harry and the Royal Family likely played a role in the decision.
Kent-Payne, in his book, acknowledges that not all Sandhurst trainees were exemplary, mentioning "a smattering of traitors and cads," which some interpret as an indirect reference to Prince Harry. The only mention of Harry in the book is in relation to his brother William's inability to be deployed like Harry due to his status as a future King.
The snub adds to the challenges Harry has faced since leaving royal duties and moving to the United States with his wife, Meghan Markle. In 2021, Harry was stripped of his three ceremonial military titles, a move that deeply affected him, as revealed by King Charles during a visit to Sandhurst.
The book, "They Also Served," aims to highlight a broad range of accomplishments among Sandhurst graduates, not just focusing on the most famous. It includes notable figures like Winston Churchill and astronaut Major Tim Peake. The proceeds from the £28 book will support The Sandhurst Trust, the official charity and alumni community of the academy.
