Travolta pushed for Prince Harry's 'living legend' award and Hall of Fame nod
Princess Diana's dance partner, John Travolta, was the driving force behind her son Prince Harry being named a "living legend" and inducted into an aviation Hall of Fame.
The Hollywood icon, 69, was one of the "biggest supporters" for the Duke Of Sussex being honoured at Friday's event during the selection process among existing honourees and committee members. Insiders at the Living Legends of Aviation insist that "humbled" Harry, 39, was not just selected for his "military service" but also for his global work promoting ex-servicemen with The Invictus Games, mental health advocacy for military personnel and global philanthropy.
Travolta, who hosts the private gala, maintains a "strong emotional link and connection" to Harry through his friendship with his mother Princess Diana. The announcement that duke is set to receive the award was met with a fierce backlash by former military personnel and social media users.
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John Travolta hosts the private gala (Sygma via Getty Images)The former head of the Royal Navy, Lord Alan West, described the gong as a "pathetic" publicity stunt. He said: "He is not a living legend of aviation. To suggest he is is pathetic. It makes the whole thing seem a bit of a nonsense if they're willing to pick someone like Prince Harry."
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Retired officer Colonel Richard Kemp said that Harry was "a brave guy" and his role in Afghanistan was "undoubtedly very dangerous".
But he added that there are "helicopter pilots who have done much more extraordinary things in Iraq and Afghanistan, risking their lives to rescue their fellow soldiers".
However, award insiders insist "the negativity will not get our attention." The organisation states, "inductees are nominated and selected by current Living Legends, who then are part of future selection processes."
Award insiders said "the negativity will not get our attention" (Getty Images)A source connected to the event told the Mirror: "Prince Harry's honour recognises so much of his entire life, not just his time flying helicopters and serving in the army. Our award is a celebration of aviators, but also life-changing human beings connected to our world.
"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. But he stands tall as a philanthropist. 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. It was a highlight of his amazing life, and the pair had a bond. It was just a year after Harry was born, and the pair both felt their moment was a 'fairytale.'
"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."
A source said the honour 'recognises so much of his entire life' (Getty Images)A separate source revealed that "humbled" Harry asked to have his honour bestowed on the same night as others at the annual event held at the Beverly Hilton. "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."
Travolta famously danced with Lady Diana at a 1985 White House state dinner. Recalling how it came about, the Grease star said: "About 10 o'clock at night, Nancy Reagan tapped on my shoulder and said, 'The princess, her fantasy is to dance with you. Would you dance with her tonight?'"
"And I said, 'Well, of course. How does this work?' And she said, 'Well, at about midnight, I'll come and get you, and then I'll lead you over to her, and then you ask her to dance.'"
The "Pulp Fiction" star said his heart began to race before he even tapped Diana on the shoulder, describing her signature "bashful dip" when she turned around to look at him. "She looked up at me, and I said, 'Would you care to dance with me?' and she said, 'Yes,'" he said. "I took her, and the whole room cleared. We danced for what felt like 15 minutes."
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