Prince Harry, while receiving the Living Legend of Aviation award, conspicuously omitted any mention of the recent health scares within the British royal family, namely those of his father, King Charles, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton. This omission has drawn criticism from royal experts, who view it as a missed opportunity for public support and a signal of the widening rift within the royal family.
The Duke of Sussex received the accolade at a ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, hosted by actor John Travolta. In his speech, Prince Harry fondly recalled a historical moment between Travolta and his late mother, Princess Diana, but refrained from commenting on his family back in the UK, both of whom are recovering from medical procedures.
Phil Dampier, a seasoned British journalist and royal correspondent, observed that Prince Harry's speech underscored the growing distance between him and the royal family. "The royals are further apart than ever," Dampier noted, adding that it's possible private well-wishes were exchanged, but the public nature of the event warranted a more explicit acknowledgment.
Angela Levin, a biographer of Prince Harry, echoed Dampier's sentiments, expressing disappointment and labeling the omission as "horrible and disrespectful." Levin's critique centered on the perceived lack of sensitivity in Prince Harry's approach, particularly given the jovial tone of his speech amidst serious family health concerns. "He was cracking jokes the whole time, and it seemed phony," she said.
The award, which recognizes significant contributions to aviation or aerospace, was also questioned by Levin. She speculated that Prince Harry's recognition might have been financially influenced, citing his limited active role in aviation during his military service in Afghanistan.
Congratulations To HRH Prince Harry for his VERY MUCH DESERVED Living Legends of Aviation Award @livinglegendsofaviation @beverlyhilton @archewell_sussex_ @thearchewellorganization @theroyalfamily H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe Well Done !… pic.twitter.com/QzGWdo6ueP — Prince Mario-Max SL (@SchaumburgLippe) January 20, 2024
The event and Prince Harry's reaction come amidst ongoing speculation about the state of his relationship with the royal family. Since stepping back from their roles as senior royals and relocating to the United States, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have maintained a complicated relationship with the British monarchy, marked by public disagreements and disclosures.
The absence of a public acknowledgment of his father's and sister-in-law's health issues at such a high-profile event only adds to the narrative of estrangement. It reflects the delicate balance of public and private life that members of the royal family must navigate, especially in the context of international attention and scrutiny.
As the royal family continues to navigate these personal and public challenges, the reactions to Prince Harry's speech serve as a reminder of the intense interest in and varying interpretations of their actions and words.
