Hollywood A-lister with ‘strong emotional link’ to Prince Harry was behind duke receiving ‘Legend of Aviation’ award
PULP Fiction actor John Travolta was the driving force behind Prince Harry being inducted into an aviation hall of fame, it’s been claimed.
Harry, 39, is set to be inducted tomorrow in Beverly Hills and will be named a ‘Living Legend of Aviation’.
The award comes as Princess Kate is in hospital recovering from abdominal surgery and his father will undergo a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate next week.
Insiders at the Living Legends of Aviation said that the Hollywood icon was one of the Duke’s “biggest supporters”, the Mirror reported.
The Saturday Night Fever star is set to host the bash at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Travolta and the Royal Family have a long history together with the actor saying he maintains a “strong emotional link and connection” with Harry through Diana.
Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, was photographed dancing with the Grease actor in an iconic 1985 snap – a highlight of Travolta’s life.
A source told the Mirror: “John has felt that her sons have continued her legacy and drive for charity. So, Harry having this platform to celebrate his achievements means so much to him. John and Harry uniting will be another memorable night.”
Another source said Harry asked to have his honour given to him on the same night as other inductees.
“Obviously, with the nature of his status, a suggestion was for a separate event. Harry insisted he wanted to join aviators and supporters of our event.”
Harry is reportedly “humbled” by the honour and has not just been picked for his military service.
The Mirror also reported he was also selected for his work promoting The Invictus Games.
The Duke has copped flak with aviation fans and military experts who believe he doesn’t deserve it.
Award insiders said “the negativity will not get our attention.”
Retired military officer Colonel Richard Kemp says the award is just “celebrities massaging each other’s egos”.
He told The Sun: “He was a gunner in an Apache helicopter in Afghanistan but so were many, many other people.
“I can think of many people who did pretty extraordinary things while serving in the British and American armed forces which would be much more deserving of an award like this.
“It is obviously because of who he is – not what he did. An Apache is crewed by two people – a pilot and a gunner. Harry was a gunner. He was number two in the aircraft.
“Its obviously just motivated by his celebrity. That’s the way these awards are – they’re not to recognise true greatness. They’re more about publicity.
Harry is set to join the first men to walk on the Moon – Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.
Kemp added: “Comparing Neil Armstrong to Harry is just hilarious – they couldn’t be further apart really.”
A new “Legend” is inducted into the hall of fame whenever a current one dies.
