In a triumphant moment, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was honored with the distinguished title of a “Living Legend of Aviation” at the 21st Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills. The event, hosted by aviation enthusiast John Travolta, celebrated individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of aviation and aerospace.
Despite Meghan Markle’s absence at the ceremony, the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy had previously announced Prince Harry’s induction into the Living Legends of Aviation. A jovial video captured the heartfelt moment as Travolta bestowed the award upon Prince Harry, evoking laughter from the delighted audience.
Expressing his gratitude, Prince Harry playfully referenced Travolta’s iconic dance with his late mother, Princess Diana, at the White House in 1985. “I was just a one-year-old when you danced with my mum,” he reminisced, infusing humor into the poignant moment. The Duke lightheartedly suggested that if dancing wasn’t on the agenda, they could opt for flying together.
Dressed in a classic black tuxedo, Prince Harry graciously posed for photographs during the black-tie event. Notably, he shared a smiling selfie with Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, later posted on Instagram.
Acknowledging Prince Harry’s role as the creator of the Invictus Games, the Living Legends of Aviation underscored his commitment to supporting wounded service personnel and veterans. Prince Harry’s military journey included serving as a helicopter pilot in the British Army, earning his Flying Wings in 2010 and becoming a fully operational Apache pilot in 2012.
In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE last year, Prince Harry opened up about his military experiences and the personal connections forged with fellow service members. His dedication to addressing the challenges and healing aspects of military service resonates with his ongoing charitable endeavors.
As Prince Harry continues to navigate public and private responsibilities in Montecito, California, alongside Meghan, their son Prince Archie, and daughter Princess Lilibet, his recent induction into the Living Legends of Aviation stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to both military service and philanthropy.
