I've read several of the articles on this particular subject. As has been noted in this thread by several people, the criticism of Harry on this particular issue has gotten out of control, and it's been particularly vicious and nasty. He's a returning service member who just spent four months serving his country, and in my opinion, that deserves a bit of respect.
That particular Telegraph article- the one that quotes a "senior officer" totally anonymously sounds highly embellished and is a particularly nasty piece. It also lacks context. When Harry said he would have preferred to be on the ground, he wasn't whining about having to fly- what he was referring to is the fact that he wasn't able to originally serve on the ground with his unit because of security concerns and that he wished that were not the case. The quoted source also does not appear to be anyone who has any first hand knowledge of working with Harry. All those who have had that experience have praised his commitment.
I have no patience for those who engage in hagiography and portray the various Royal Family members as saints who lead lives beyond reproach, but I have an even stronger distaste for those who engage in character assassination with equal fervor.
Thanks for your thoughts. That is a viewpoint I appreciate, respect and share. I too tend to agree that we as civilians don't understand the psychological makeup of those who have to go to war and pull triggers, and I'd like to give Harry the benefit of the doubt.
It is a shame that we have reached the stage where we cannot trust even such purportedly venerable media outlets such as the Telegraph for journalistic integrity - or can we? Hard to say. Part of the cons of the internet, I'm afraid.
I myself see Harry as a very human figure, who much like his mother, is blown out of all proportion by those who both loved and hated her/him. Same with Kate, but not so much William. I don't know why some people invite that and some don't. I think he's had to play out too many adversities on the public stage.
But look, people are going to come here and offer differing points of view. It's better that we start out with such reasonable explanations rather than what seems like a put down (although I am guilty of the same in many posts). I'd like to see a
discussion here rather than, as you say, idol worship or mob mentality demonizing him.
The problem is, Harry sells papers. So does Kate. Some of the other members of the BRF could cure cancer and we wouldn't know about it, or care.
And hey, look at where most of us have been posting in the last few days.