Duke of Sussex honors courage of emergency crews battling California wildfires
Prince Harry has shared a heartfelt message celebrating the bravery of aerial firefighters, following his attendance at the 2025 Living Legends of Aviation Ceremony, as reported by Sussex.com.
The Duke paid tribute to the “extraordinary courage and resilience” of the pilots and crews who faced perilous conditions during Southern California’s recent wildfires. In his statement, Harry praised the firefighters for risking their lives to protect people, homes, and wildlife:
“As flames threatened homes, communities, and wildlife across the region, aerial firefighting teams played a vital role—navigating hazardous conditions to slow the spread of destruction and support emergency efforts on the ground.”
Harry, who was inducted as a Living Legend of Aviation in 2024 for his military service as an Apache helicopter pilot and advocacy for veterans and mental health, delivered the keynote speech at this year’s event. His remarks highlighted the vital role aviation continues to play in both civilian and emergency sectors.
The Living Legends of Aviation Awards annually recognize outstanding contributions to aerospace, and Harry’s latest message reaffirms his ongoing commitment to service and public recognition of those who serve behind the scenes in life-saving roles.
