Prince Harry took center stage at the 21st Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills, injecting humor into the ceremony as he accepted an award and shared playful banter with actor John Travolta. The Duke of Sussex, 39, made light of Travolta’s opening remarks, referencing the iconic dance between the actor and Princess Diana at the White House in 1985.
In a clip shared on social media, Prince Harry graciously accepted the award from Travolta, who served as the “Official Ambassador of Aviation” for the event. The Duke lightened the mood with a humorous remark, “This is nice,” sparking laughter from the audience.
Expressing his gratitude, Prince Harry continued, “Thank you, Captain John,” playfully advising, “Don’t go running away. I was one year old when you danced with my mom.” He added a humorous touch, suggesting that Travolta had been “dining out” on the story, acknowledging the enduring fame of the memorable moment.
In good spirits, Prince Harry quipped, “But look at us now, it’s great! So if we’re not going to dance together, we’ll fly together,” cleverly connecting the playful banter to the aviation-themed occasion.
As he extended his thanks to the Living Legends of Aviation, the Duke expressed appreciation for the prestigious recognition. The awards, organized by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to aviation and aerospace.
The event also highlighted Prince Harry’s creation of the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style competition for wounded service personnel and veterans, launched in 2014. Among other honorees were Steve Hinton, Navy pilot Fred George, and Marc Parent, President and CEO of CAE.
Dressed in a classic black tuxedo, Prince Harry’s charismatic presence and humorous banter added a delightful touch to the aviation-focused ceremony. The Duke’s participation not only celebrated his achievements but showcased his engaging and affable demeanor on a night dedicated to recognizing excellence in aviation.