Prince Harry shared a lighthearted moment with actor John Travolta at this year’s Legends of Aviation Awards held Friday evening in Los Angeles.
The event marked a return for the Duke of Sussex, who was previously recognized as a Living Legend in 2024 for his distinguished service as an Apache helicopter pilot during two deployments in 2007 and 2012. Last year’s ceremony saw Harry playfully referencing Travolta’s memorable dance with Princess Diana at the White House in 1985, quipping about the actor’s ongoing recollections of the event.
Vintage aircraft collector Greg Herrick, also a Living Legend recipient, described an easy camaraderie between Harry and Travolta, stating they “bonded like brothers” during last night’s gathering.
During his address at the 2025 awards, Prince Harry turned his attention to honoring first responders who demonstrated exceptional bravery in confronting the devastating California wildfires.
“There are moments in life that reveal a great deal about who we are – not just as individuals, but as a people. Moments that test our courage, compassion and our commitment to one another. And time and again, what I’ve seen — what the world sees — is that first responders rise to that challenge every single time.”
The widespread blazes erupted on January 7th, prompting tens of thousands of residents to evacuate as homes and businesses faced destruction. Harry emphasized their quiet heroism, saying:
“It has reminded us that in a world full of noise, there are still quiet heroes among us — steady, capable, and brave.”
He continued, “Tonight, we celebrate aviation legends—the kind forged in smoke, shaped by teamwork and defined by the courage to fly into danger when others are told to flee.”
Harry’s tribute culminated in a heartfelt acknowledgment of the first responders’ selflessness:
“This community doesn’t ask for attention or recognition… But tonight, we’re going to give it to them, regardless, because in my experience, it’s the people who don’t expect it or ask for it, that need and appreciate it the most.”
Other notable attendees at the star-studded event included Morgan Freeman.
Meghan Markle was not present. The couple had recently been in New York City where Meghan delivered an address at the TIME100 Summit.
Harry’s recognition of first responders follows a period of criticism stemming from their visit to a Pasadena evacuation center during the California fires, where they were labeled “disaster tourists” by actress Justine Bateman. She questioned their presence, suggesting it appeared as an insensitive “photo op” given that they do not reside in the affected area.
The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire collectively consumed nearly 40,000 acres across Los Angeles, including in Altadena.
