Prince Harry was honored at the 21st annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards on Friday, January 20th, receiving an induction into the prestigious institution.
However, his wife Meghan Markle was noticeably absent from the event held in Los Angeles, missing out on the chance to accompany her husband as he gave remarks mentioning his father King Charles.
Prince Harry at the Living Legends of Aviation event?
Harry attended the star-studded Living Legends ceremony solo, dressed sharply in a classic black tuxedo.
As part of the honor, legendary actor John Travolta – serving as the Official Ambassador of Aviation – placed the award around the Prince’s neck.
In his acceptance speech, Harry offered “a heartfelt thank you” and referred to Travolta as “Captain John,” even bringing up the famous 1985 dance he shared with Harry’s late mother Princess Diana at the White House when Harry was just 1 year old.
Making a rare mention of his own family, Harry jokingly recalled a terrifying helicopter flight from his youth with then-Prince Charles, quipping “I was just about seven or eight years old when I got into a Wessex Helicopter with my father. I was terrified.”
Though Charles recently suffered his own health scare with an enlarged prostate, Harry’s speech did not touch on the King’s condition.
Harry’s induction came alongside several aviation and aerospace pioneers who have “made significant contributions” to the field.
Why didn’t Meghan Markle attend the Living Legends of Aviation event?
However, Meghan Markle was unable to accompany her husband. It turns out that one of the couple’s two young children had fallen ill, forcing the Duchess of Sussex to stay home.
The couple made the understandable decision to have Meghan stay home to care for their sick child while Harry carried on to accept his honor.
Despite the last-minute change in plans, the Prince gave a memorable speech while showing his appreciation for the Living Legends recognition.