Prince Harry was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation Hall of Fame at a glitzy award ceremony last Friday.
The Duke of Sussex was named a “living legend” and was honoured for his contribution to the aviation industry due to his experience flying as a pilot in the British Army. He joined other aviation “legends” like Buzz Aldrin, Jeff Bezos, Tom Cruise, Neil Armstrong, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman and Elon Musk.
Harry collected his award at a ceremony in Beverly Hills hosted by aviation ambassador John Travolta. The royal told him it would be fitting for them to fly together after recalling how the actor famously danced with his mother, Diana, the late Princess of Wales, more than three decades ago.
In his speech, Harry said: “I am proud to be recognised among such a dynamic and inspiring group of individuals. For me, flying has been a transcendent experience, a close encounter with magic, an invitation to both protect freedom… and to feel free – and, funny enough, an opportunity to ground oneself, without actually being grounded.”
He added: “I had respect for the Apache in a hover. And was in awe of it flying at night. So many moments as a pilot where you feel like you’re walking on air. And throughout each flight during my military career, the one constant was always trust.
“Trust in the aircraft, trust in my fellow comrades, trust in my many mentors, and above all else: trust in myself. Thank you again for this incredible honour.”
Prince Harry has completed two tours of Afghanistan as a forward air controller and an Apache helicopter pilot and he served for 10 years in the military, rising to the rank of Captain, and later founded the Invictus Games – a sporting event for wounded military personnel and veterans.
And whilst there were several critics, who blasted Prince Harry’s induction to the Aviation Hall of Fame – with one branding it “ridiculous” – many royal fans praised the duke for his speech as well as his appearance.
Movie producer Matthew Cole Weiss made a post on X and said: “Got to have a full convo with Prince Harry. Super sweet. He knew of the movie I directed starring Meghan! Said he watched it before.”
Another user shared a video of Harry replying to Travolta after the latter asked him what he remembers from his first flight to which he replied “Unfortunately, it’s classified” and the crowd erupted in laughter. The user commented: “This man really knows how to work a room. [heart eyes emoji I just love him.”
A second one added: “But but I thought he was shunned by Hollywood? Prince Harry was celebrated last night and he charmed his guests.”
A third user commented: “#PrinceHarry is truly the best. He’s so lovely and so funny.”
