Prince Harry playfully jabs John Travolta for 'dining out' on famous 1985 dance with Princess Diana

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: Prince Harry made light of John Travolta on Friday, January 19, by saying that the American actor had been "dining out" on his famous one-time dance at the White House in 1985 with Harry's mother, Princess Diana.

The joke was made while the Duke of Sussex was giving a speech at Travolta's annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards in Beverly Hills.

Harry accepted the title of 'Living Legends of Aviation,' partly in recognition of his service with the British Army in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot. Travolta greeted Harry upon his arrival on stage and put a medal around his neck.

Prince Harry, 39, gave an acceptance speech at the Beverly Hills party, embracing the private pilot and Hollywood icon and calling him "Captain John", per Daily Mail.

Prince Harry makes light of John Travolta on dance with Princess Diana

According to Hello! Magazine, the 'Saturday Night Fever' actor, 69, who hosted the event as the Official Ambassador of Aviation, reportedly referred to the famous occasion when he danced with Princess Diana at the White House in 1985.

Harry gave the Hollywood star a shoulder clap and an embrace at the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel before making his way to the podium to deliver his acceptance speech.

Harry responded, "This is nice. Thanks very much, Captain John," brushing down the ribbon on his medal.

"I was one-year-old when you danced with my mum. As you've told everybody here and continue to dine out on that probably every single night," Harry quipped.

"But look at us now! It's great. So if we're not going to dance together, we'll fly together," the Duke of Sussex added.

The audience erupted in laughter at the bit, and Harry soon launched into remarks that seemed more planned out.

Harry continued, saying he is "proud to be recognized among such a dynamic and inspiring group of individuals," and he thanked the Living Legends of Aviation awards for the "incredible honor".

Harry was a ten-year veteran of the armed forces, having attained the rank of captain before starting the Invictus Games for injured soldiers and veterans.

As a pilot and ardent supporter of all things aviation, Travolta is said to have been instrumental in Harry's receipt of the prestigious award, one of four awarded to individuals "who have made significant contributions to aviation/aerospace".

John Travolta was 'driving force' for Prince Harry's recognition

Although some military pilots felt that Harry's candidacy was unjustified, John Travolta, a pilot himself, is said to have been the primary force behind Harry winning the honor after he felt a connection to him after dancing with his late mother, Diana.

During a vetting process among past honorees and committee members, Travolta was reportedly one of the "biggest supporters" of Harry being honored at the Beverly Hills' ceremony.

One of the most memorable moments of the Hollywood actor's career was reportedly the legendary dance he did with Diana at a White House dinner in 1985, per Daily Mail.

According to a source with knowledge of the event, Travolta—who was named 'The Living Legends Ambassador of Aviation' in 2007—feels that Diana's children have carried on her generous legacy.

The insider also refuted claims that Harry's award was a publicity gimmick or a result of his royal status, calling such theories "disgraceful".

The insider informed The Mirror, "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," the insider continued.

The insider further added, revealing: "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."

Internet congratulates Prince Harry

Social media users took to the online platform X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the Duke of Sussex for receiving the 'Living Legends of Aviation' award, with one saying, "Bravo Harry!!! Very well deserved!! Your mom would be very proud of you!!"

A second one said, "Congratulations, Prince Harry. The stones that the builder rejected is now the head of the corner. Your late mum and everyone are proud of you. Well done."

"Living legend Prince Harry," praised a third X user.

Another one praised by writing a lengthy comment: "Tremendous, and well deserved. The award recognizes not only actual service in the air as an officer of the armed forces, it highlights the extraordinary humanitarian and charitable focus he has made the central goal of his public life."

"Love this for Harry Keep shining your light," chimed in another one.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.