On April 25, 2025, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, took center stage at the 22nd Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills to pay tribute to the “quiet heroes” who battled California’s devastating wildfires earlier that year. The event, hosted by John Travolta, celebrated not only aviation pioneers but also the aerial firefighters who risked their lives to protect communities during the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, which claimed at least 29 lives and destroyed over 14,000 structures. Harry’s heartfelt speech and presence underscored his commitment to honoring service and resilience, while his ties to California and his military background added a personal dimension to the evening.

The wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, ravaged Southern California, prompting a state of emergency and displacing tens of thousands. Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, had been actively involved in relief efforts since the fires began on January 7. Through their Archewell Foundation, the couple distributed food and supplies at the World Central Kitchen hub in Pasadena on January 10 and supported groups like the Altadena Teen Girls Fire Recovery. Harry also met with firefighters from the Salinas Fire Department and therapy dogs assisting victims, showcasing his hands-on approach to community support. Their earlier statement on Sussex.com urged the public to aid evacuees, emphasizing the need to check on vulnerable neighbors.

At the awards ceremony, Harry, who was honored as a Living Legend of Aviation in 2024 for his service as an Apache helicopter pilot in Afghanistan, delivered an emotional speech. “There are moments in life that reveal a great deal about who we are—not just as individuals, but as a people,” he said, praising the first responders’ courage and compassion. He highlighted the selflessness of teams from Cal Fire, the California National Guard, and even a crew from Quebec, noting, “In a world overwhelmed by noise, quiet heroes still stand—brave, steady, and unwavering.” His words resonated with the audience, which included Hollywood icons like Morgan Freeman and Kurt Russell, and other 2025 inductees such as former Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut Christopher Cassidy and NBC’s Tom Costello.

The event marked Harry’s second consecutive year at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards, a ceremony often dubbed the “Oscars of aviation.” His participation reflects his growing ties to Hollywood and his evolving role as a global humanitarian since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Last year, he playfully teased host John Travolta about his 1985 White House dance with Princess Diana, saying, “If we’re not going to dance together, we’ll fly together.” This year, his focus was firmly on the firefighters, whom he described as “legends forged by teamwork and defined by courage to go into danger when others are told to flee.”

The ceremony came just two days after Harry and Meghan’s high-profile appearance in New York City for the TIME100 Summit, where Meghan spoke on stage and the couple unveiled the Lost Screen Memorial, honoring children lost to social media harms. Their busy week highlighted their dual focus on local and global issues, from wildfire recovery in their Montecito community to advocating for safer digital spaces through the Archewell Foundation’s Parents’ Network. However, their efforts have not been without criticism. Commentator Tina Brown, in a recent Telegraph interview, labeled the couple “disaster tourists” and questioned the impact of their philanthropy, citing their memoir Spare and Oprah interview as missteps driven by an “appetite for money.”

Despite such critiques, Harry’s speech at the Beverly Hills event captured widespread attention, with posts on X praising his eloquence and commitment. One user noted, “Excellent speech! Prince Harry’s tribute to the LA firefighters was powerful,” while another highlighted the Sussexes’ eventful week, from New York to California. The ceremony itself raised funds for first responders, aligning with Harry’s earlier appearance at the One805 Rock for Responders concert in Santa Barbara on March 8, which supported wildfire recovery efforts.

The Living Legends of Aviation Awards also honored the broader aviation community, recognizing figures like former astronaut Robert “Hoot” Gibson. Yet, Harry’s tribute to the firefighters stole the spotlight, emphasizing their role in a crisis that hit close to home for the Sussexes, who have lived in Montecito since 2020. The wildfires’ destruction, coupled with the threat of mudslides and toxic ash runoff, underscored the ongoing challenges facing California, making the recognition of these first responders timely and poignant.

Prince Harry’s appearance at the awards ceremony was a testament to his dedication to service, rooted in his military experience and reinforced by his and Meghan’s community engagement. By honoring the “quiet heroes” who battled the flames, he not only celebrated their bravery but also called attention to the resilience of a region still recovering from disaster. As the Duke of Sussex continues to carve out his role in the U.S., events like these highlight his ability to bridge personal conviction with public impact, ensuring that the sacrifices of first responders are not forgotten.