Most people were unaware until the couple's mouthpiece piped up on social media (and it wouldn’t have been posted without sign off!). He/the couple have drawn attention to this all by themselves (just like the 'catastrophic' car chase)
When you have zero self awareness, an over inflated sense of your own self importance and a very thin skin (Sandhurst snub is a good example) then buying getting an award like this cannot be allowed to go unnoticed . It’s an ideal opportunity for people to recognise and discuss all his achievements, for people to say ‘hey, what a guy that PH is’ and to agree with him that he absolutely is a legend and fully deserving of a ‘legend of aviation’ award. It’s like a mass ego massaging exercise. I expect the couple thought it would be well worth the financial outlay (although anyone with even the most basic of PR experience would have urged a note of caution).
Thank goodness opposing views can be freely aired and serious/ awkward questions asked (whilst not forgetting memes, emojis and cartoons because, let's face it, their credibility has all but gone down the pan).
I'm embarrassed for them and if he turns up to accept this award I can only hope he shows just a smidgen of humility and acknowledges that there are people out there who are more deserving (which would take some brass neck if you have bought the award for yourself !).