
Make of it what you will
In the US non commissioned officers are found flying aircraft, they are very much a more equal opportunities employer where anyone who shows the necessary aptitude and skill can do tasks that the RAF reserve for Officers.
During the WW2 they ran out of Officer Pilots and employed many Sergeant Pilots to fly aircraft from Lancasters to Spitfires. They never got the recognition as the RAF propaganda machines during thee war always favoured the Officer Pilots. The top scoring UK fighter pilot was in fact a Sergeat pilot.
As soon as the war was over, the Sergeant pilot in the RAF disappeared again and the role again was given to those with the 'right education and background'. It became very socially elitist, though now in this day and age to a lesser extent.
Both Royals, William and Harry in normal circumstances would never have even got an interview to fly helicopters because they do not have the educational requirements. Instead they got to fly because of their Royal connections. Note that at this time they do not command the aircraft. Their Uncle Andrew did fly in the Falklands but he too did not have the educational qualifications to even get an interview.
I did fly with a former Apache helicopter pilot in the US, he considered his background as Trailer Trash, joined the US Army, during induction they saw he had ability (though he didn't join to fly) and he became a pilot. Great guy.
In the UK this would not have happened.
Front line pilots are also annoyed that Reaper pilots have been getting awards for bravery whole being able to go home to dinner each day. Make of that what you will.