Ads
There seems to be some unseen backstage drama between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the recent ESPY Awards. While Harry gave a speech at the event where he accepted an award, his actions and behavior have come under scrutiny.
Many veteran groups and military members have voiced their criticism of Harry using veterans only as props rather than taking the time to genuinely connect with them. One statement that summed it up well said "He only uses Vets as props." This sentiment has certainly proven true based on Harry's actions at the ESPY Awards.
Ads
During his speech, Harry was noticed telling the few veterans who were standing on stage with him to "stay there FOR me," rather than saying "stay there WITH me." This subtle difference in wording implies that Harry only saw the veterans as a way to bolster himself rather than standing in solidarity with them. It also appeared that one of the veterans, a woman with a prosthetic leg, looked visibly uncomfortable having to stand for an extended period. However, Harry did not seem to take notice of her discomfort despite her valiant service.
While Harry's speech itself was described as decent, his demands that the veterans remain on stage only to prop him up rather than out of mutual respect shows how little he actually understands the sacrifices of military personnel. Medals and awards mean nothing to veterans who have seen true horrors of war and still deal with the mental and physical scars of their service. As a royal who never saw combat, Harry has no legitimate claim to represent veterans or understand what they endure.
Ads
This isn't the first time Harry has seemingly used veterans for his own gain and optics rather than genuinely honoring them. Who could forget when he skipped out early on a Remembrance Day event to promote his wife's movie premiere? And how could anyone ignore the embarrassing spectacle of Meghan walking ahead of a group of veterans inappropriately dressed while in France? Their using of veterans and other marginalized groups only for photo ops without real care or understanding has become a troubling pattern.
Many were outraged that Harry was even given the award in the first place, as he had not truly earned it or demonstrated consistent, selfless support for the military community. It came to light that the award was one that could be purchased, which Harry did to deny the honor being given to a more deserving recipient. Then, he only accepted it while demanding veterans prop him up on stage, interrupting the ceremony, and rushing off before it concluded. His lack of respect is nauseating.
Ads
His ego seems to know no bounds if he thinks awards should revolve around him and he can come and go as he pleases without care for polite protocol or those he claims to represent. It's clear he does not genuinely see himself as a representative for veterans but rather wants to bask in the glory of their reflected valor without truly understanding the weight of their service and sacrifice.
The fact that awards intended for heroes can simply be purchased also draws scrutiny to the ethics of such charity organizations. While good work may be done, the integrity of their honors is surely compromised if high bids can obtain them. Perhaps it's time for veterans groups and countries like Germany that host Invictus Games to reconsider closely associating with Harry, who seems more focused on trophies and glory than the people he claims to champion.
Ads
Some have speculated that if Harry had attended the event alone rather than with Meghan, he may have taken the time to genuinely greet veterans in attendance. As a royal accustomed to conversing with all kinds from a young age, he likely wouldn't have felt the same social discomforts ordinary people do. But with Meghan by his side, it seems her influence encouraged scurrying off without such respectful interactions.
Regardless of exterior influences, Harry bears ultimate responsibility for his own actions and priorities. If he truly cared about veterans rather than optics, he would have ensured his team properly arranged a respectful meet and greet rather than rushing off. But serving merely as props on his ego trips seems to be the only role he reserves for those who've born the heaviest burdens for our freedoms.
Ads
Until Harry takes real time to understand veterans beyond photo opportunities, and makes certain they are honored with genuine care, respect and gratitude rather than as accessories, he will continue compromising whatever good work his platforms aim to do. Our heroes deserve so much more than empty gestures or having to endure demeaning demands to prop up PR stunts in someone else's pursuit of glory. Harry would do well to listen to the criticism, look inward, and decide whether veterans or himself remain his priority in this important work.
Post a Comment