Hollywood star John Travolta reportedly played a pivotal role in securing Prince Harry a Living Legend of Aviation honor due to his connection with Princess Diana. Travolta allegedly sees Harry continuing his late mother’s charitable legacy.
Since his award was announced, the Duke of Sussex has received heavy backlash from British military veterans who claim he does not deserve to be called a “living legend.” The retired officers slammed the accolade as a Royal status-driven publicity stunt, calling it “pathetic.”
John Travolta Reportedly Nominated Prince Harry For The Living Legend of Aviation Award
“Saturday Night Fever” star Travolta reportedly influenced the naming of Prince Harry as a “Living Legend of Aviation.” This was allegedly because of his “strong emotional link and connection” to Harry through his friendship with his mother, Princess Diana.
According to a report, Travolta, 69, was the “driving force” behind Harry’s award. The actor, who was honored with the Living Legends Ambassador of Aviation award in 2007, allegedly sees Diana’s sons, particularly Harry, as continuing her legacy in charitable endeavors.
The connection between Travolta and Diana dates back to the iconic 1985 White House dinner where they famously danced, marking a significant moment in the actor’s life.
Prince Harry’s Award Dubbed A ‘Pathetic’ Publicity Stunt By Critics
Unfortunately, Harry, who served in the Army for a decade, including two tours in Afghanistan as a forward air controller and an Apache helicopter co-pilot gunner, is facing criticism for being named a “Living Legend of Aviation.”
Some retired senior officers view the accolade as a “pathetic” Royal status-driven publicity stunt.
According to the Daily Mail, Lord West, former head of the Royal Navy, labeled the recognition “pathetic,” stating: “He is not a living legend of aviation. To suggest he is is pathetic. It makes the whole thing seem a bit of nonsense if they’re willing to pick someone like Prince Harry.”
West added: “He didn’t carry off any great exciting feat of amazing flying skill while flying for the Army. They’re just trying to get publicity. They know it will cause a stir.”
Colonel Richard Kemp acknowledged Harry’s bravery, adding that his time in Afghanistan was “undoubtedly very dangerous.” However, he emphasized that there are “helicopter pilots who have done much more extraordinary things in Iraq and Afghanistan, risking their lives to rescue their fellow soldiers.”
Award insiders remain unfazed despite the criticisms, noting that “the negativity will not get [their] attention.” The organization emphasized that “inductees are nominated and selected by current Living Legends, who then are part of future selection processes.”
The Duke’s ‘Living Legend Of Aviation’ Award Defended By Insiders
Amid the shocking claims that Harry’s aviation award is a publicity stunt or due to his royal status, an insider defended the duke, labeling the criticisms as “disgraceful.”
The source told The Mirror, “Harry’s name was put forward because of his astonishing commitment to helping those in and out of the military, promoting awareness of the triumphs and travails of that life.”
Describing the Duke of Sussex as a philanthropist, the insider continued: “Any suggestion of this as a publicity stunt is a disgraceful and offensive suggestion.”
“Of course, John was an advocate for Harry and supported his nomination. He has always felt a connection to him, especially because he and Diana enjoyed that moment of pop culture history by dancing at the White House,” they added.
Prince Harry Celebrated As A ‘Humanitarian, Military Veteran And Environmentalist’
The Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, based in Colorado and responsible for Harry’s aviation recognition, operates as a non-profit organization aiming to cultivate an interest in aviation among young individuals.
Harry’s induction as a “Living Legend of Aviation” is scheduled for an awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, California, hosted by John Travolta on Friday. The event will celebrate Harry’s contributions, including his role in establishing the Invictus Games Foundation.
A statement on the event’s website read: “Prince Harry is a humanitarian, military veteran, mental wellness advocate and environmentalist. He has dedicated his life to advancing causes that he is passionate about and that bring about permanent change for people and places.”
However, it remains unclear if Harry or his wife, the Duchess of Susses Meghan Markle, will attend the ceremony.
