The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, is set to add a new title to his name: Living Legend of Aviation. Tonight, in a ceremony held in Beverly Hills, Prince Harry will be one of four inductees honored for their remarkable accomplishments in the world of aviation. The event, co-hosted by NBC News’ Tom Costello, will recognize Prince Harry’s service in the British Army and his advocacy for wounded veterans.
Prince Harry’s journey in aviation began during his 10-year tenure in the British Army, where he became an Apache pilot in 2012. His skills as a pilot were put to the test during his deployment to Afghanistan, where he piloted attack helicopters. The organization behind the award acknowledges not only Harry’s military service but also his commitment to supporting wounded service members through the Invictus Games, a sporting event he founded. In a 2022 interview with Hoda Kotb, Prince Harry emphasized the message behind the games: “What they are proving to the rest of the world is that whatever you come up against, whether it’s physical or mental trauma, that you can actually get through it.”
Prince Harry in his military uniform
The selection process for the Living Legend of Aviation Award involves nominations from past recipients, followed by a final decision made by dedicated committees. Among those responsible for selecting nominees is renowned actor John Travolta, who has also hosted the ceremony for several years. Travolta, a past recipient of the award himself, shares a unique connection with the royal family, having famously danced with Princess Diana at a White House dinner in 1985. Reflecting on that memorable evening in the PBS docuseries “In Their Own Words,” Travolta shared, “Of course, I mean she had that bashful dip that she did, and she looked up at me, and I said, ‘Would you care to dance with me?’ And she said, ‘Yes.'”
However, Prince Harry’s selection for the award has sparked debate online, with some questioning his eligibility and comparing his achievements to past honorees such as Buzz Aldrin, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Harrison Ford. The inclusion of celebrity aviation enthusiasts like jazz saxophonist Kenny G, Tom Cruise, and Morgan Freeman has further fueled the controversy.
John Travolta and Princess Diana dancing at the White House in 1985
Despite the controversy, the organization behind the Living Legend of Aviation Award stands by its decision, emphasizing that the selection committees, composed of previous awardees, deemed Prince Harry worthy of the honor. With this induction, the organization is poised to add royalty to its prestigious list of aviation legends.
