The Duke of Sussex is due to accept the “Living Legend of Aviation” award at a ceremony hosted by John Travolta in Beverly Hills, California tonight.
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The non-profit Kiddie Hawk Academy set up the event to honour those who make significant contributions to aviation and aerospace.
Harry, 39, completed two tours of Afghanistan as a forward air controller and an Apache helicopter pilot – rising to the rank of Captain.
The prince will take his place alongside other “Legends of Aviation” including Moon landing astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong.
A new “Legend” is inducted into the hall of fame whenever a current one dies.
But some aviation experts have slammed the decision to induct Harry into the industry’s hall of fame.
Retired British Army officer Colonel Richard Kemp said: “I can understand why it’s happening.
“It’s all obviously about publicity. He’s a celebrity and a very well-known person.
“Of course it gives publicity to this award and the people that are promoting it.
“But there are many people in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, possibly even fighting now in against the terrorism in Yemen.
“A large number of military pilots, helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft have carried out some extraordinary feats of valour and phenomenal aviation that I’m afraid Harry didn’t do.”
PAST WINNERS
- Buzz Aldrin – flew 66 US Air Force missions in Korea before walking on the Moon in 1969
- Jeff Bezos – flew into space on his Blue Origin NS-16 craft
- Tom Cruise – starred in iconic fighter pilot movie Top Gun
- Harrison Ford – amateur pilot who owns several small planes
- Morgan Freeman – has flown to over 20 countries in his Swearingen SJ30 long-range jet
- Elon Musk – launched the Space X rocket programme
- Saudi Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud – first Arab, Muslim and member of a royal family to fly in space
California-based Harry’s award comes after a tumultuous week for the royal family on the other side of the Atlantic.
Princess Kate is recovering in hospital from planned abdominal surgery.
She is expected to stay at the private London Clinic for up to 14 days before going home to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Kate’s husband Prince William, 41, visited her at the clinic yesterday afternoon.
The 42-year-old princess is also being supported by a dependable A-team – from royal besties to college pals.
This morning King Charles was seen for the first time since the Palace revealed he faces prostate treatment in just a few days.
Charles, 75, sought treatment for an enlarged prostate and will be admitted to hospital next week for surgery.
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