- Prince Harry was honored as a living legend of aviation at a ceremony hosted by John Travolta in Beverly Hills on Friday evening
- Harry was praised for his work as a pilot in the British Army and is now honored alongside Buzz Aldrin, Jeff Bezos, Tom Cruise and Neil Armstrong
- His Friday night outing marks the first time he has been seen since his sister-in-law Kate Middleton underwent surgery and his father revealed his condition
A beaming Prince Harry was honored for his work as a military pilot at a lavish gala in Los Angeles on Friday night – stepping out for the first time since his sister-in-law Kate Middleton underwent abdominal surgery and his father, King Charles, announced it treated for an enlarged prostate.
The prince was in high spirits and smiled on Friday as he joined Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, a 46-year-old member of the Danish royal family, and others at the Beverly Hills Hilton.
Harry, 39, was honored as a living legend of aviation at a ceremony hosted by actor and aviation ambassador John Travolta.
The Duke of Sussex completed two tours of Afghanistan as an air traffic controller and Apache helicopter pilot and flew countless training missions in the UK, US and Australia.
Prince Harry can be seen at the gala with Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe on Friday evening
Harry is pictured standing in front of an Apache helicopter in March 2011, a few days after the king passed the half-decade milestone to become a captain in the British Army
Harry is seen working as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan in December 2012
Harrison Ford is among those already inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation
He served in the military for ten years, rising to the rank of captain and later founding the Invictus Games – a sporting event for wounded military personnel and veterans.
Harry takes his place alongside other aerospace “legends” including Buzz Aldrin, Jeff Bezos, Tom Cruise, Neil Armstrong, Harrison Ford, Morgan Freeman and Elon Musk.
The event's website also praised the Duke for his work with charities such as Travalyst, Sentebale, African Parks and WellChild.
A statement on the website said: “Prince Harry is a humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate and environmentalist.”
“He has dedicated his life to advancing causes that are close to his heart and that create lasting change for people and places.”
Harry was included alongside US naval pilot Fred George and former world speed record holder Steve Hinton, as well as Lauren Sanchez – who is engaged to Amazon founder Bezos.
Lauren Sanchez, who founded an aerial photography company in 2016, was also celebrated Friday night
Sanchez is a helicopter pilot and businesswoman: she, along with her fiancé Jeff Bezos, is among those now being recognized for their contribution to aviation
She is expected to receive the Elling Halvorson Vertical Flight Hall of Fame Award for her skills as a helicopter pilot and aviation entrepreneur after founding the aerial film company Black Ops Aviation in 2016.
The Duke's appearance comes as his father, the King, prepares to undergo treatment for an enlarged prostate next week, while his sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, recovers from abdominal surgery in the London clinic.