ROYALTYPrince Harry (39) was named ‘living legend of aviation’ on Friday. Despite much criticism, John Travolta (69) presented the prince with the aviation prize for his work in the British army. The actor also recalled his world-famous dance with Harry’s mother, Princess Diana.
The title, which was created in 2003, is awarded annually during a glamorous ceremony in Beverly Hills, hosted by John Travolta. The event is also called ‘the Oscars of aviation’.
Harry receives the prestigious award because he flew a helicopter through Afghanistan during his service in the British Army. The prince served in the army for ten years and took me on several training and combat missions.
Illustrious predecessors
Harry joins a list of illustrious predecessors, including astronauts Neal Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, but also actors Harrison Ford, Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman. The then 72-year-old Ford made an emergency landing with his plane on a golf course in California in 2015 after engine failure. He suffered serious head injuries. And Morgan Freeman got his pilot’s license at the age of 65.
According to the organization, the purpose of the award ceremony is mainly to interest young people in aviation. The awards are given to people known for their work in the aerospace industry, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. In addition, the prize would also be intended for people who are ‘life-changing’ and committed to a better world.
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Prince Harry as a British Army helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. © ANP/AFP
“Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, is a humanitarian and military veteran,” the organization wrote on its website. “He actively advocates for mental well-being and environmental awareness. He has dedicated his life to advancing causes he is passionate about that create lasting change.”
Secret
During the opening, Travolta asked the prince about his first flight and what he could remember. “That’s a secret,” Harry replied, laughing. Furthermore, the prince, who had left his wife Meghan at home, did not show much. He soon disappeared behind the scenes at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills.
Lots of criticism
Various media believe that he did not earn the honorary title enough and that other people were more eligible for the prize. For example, there are other notable achievements, such as that of Charles Duke, who in 1972 at the age of 36 became the youngest person to walk on the moon, that have never been rewarded.
There is also a lot of criticism on social media. “I look forward to seeing every other military pilot in the world receive this award for their achievements… Harry has done nothing more or less than them. He just gets it because he is a prince,” someone writes on X. And also: “Is this a joke? A legend? Can someone please explain to me the legendary things Harry has done?”
The former Commander-in-Chief of the British Navy, Admiral Lord West, also finds the award ridiculous. “He is not a living legend of aviation. To suggest that it is is pathetic. It makes the whole thing a bit nonsense if they are willing to choose someone like Prince Harry.”
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Prins Harry © AFP
Dancing with Diana
The award for Harry is mainly seen as a publicity stunt, but it cannot be seen separately from the warm bond that host John Travolta feels with Harry. During the ceremony, the actor recalled fond memories of his dance with Princess Diana in 1985. The speech was not broadcast, but “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe looks across from the magazine’s “HELLO!” back in the evening. “John Travolta presented the award and he referred to the dance with Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, when Prince Harry was one year old.” According to the reality star, the ‘Grease’ actor said the speech was very moving. “He said, ‘Now I see you again, under a new circumstance. In a new way.’”
The photo of Travolta and the then 24-year-old Diana dancing became world famous. It was at a party for President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan at the White House.
John Travolta’s famous dance with Princess Diana at the White House in 1985 © ANP / EPA
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2024-01-20 10:33:00
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