Irish Daily Mirror

Butterfly has hotspot trick

Diana’s dance partner greases Duke’s way into fliers’ hall of fame

- PAGE 35 BY CHRISTOPHE­R BUCKTIN US Editor news@irishmirro­r.ie @Dailymirro­r

BUTTERFLIE­S could be changing their camouflage to adapt to climate change, a study found.

Female meadow brown butterflie­s grow fewer hindwing spots if they develop in a warmer area.

Exeter University’s Prof Richard Ffrench-constant said: “With fewer spots, they may be harder to spot on dry, brown grass.”

PRINCESS Diana’s dance partner John Travolta was the driving force behind son Prince Harry being inducted into an aviation hall of fame.

The Hollywood icon, 69, was said to be one of the biggest supporters of the Duke of Sussex being honoured tomorrow.

Insiders at the Living Legends of Aviation say Harry, 39, was selected for his military service as a helicopter pilot and promoting ex-servicemen with the Invictus Games, his mental health advocacy and his philanthro­py.

Pilot and actor Travolta will host the private gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California.

He was a friend of the

Duke’s late mother and the pair made global headlines when they danced at a 1985 White

House state dinner to hits including You’re the

One That I Want, from his

1978 musical Grease.

But the induction for the

Duke was criticised by former military personnel.

The former head of the Royal Navy, Lord Alan West, said of Harry: “He is not a living legend of aviation. To suggest he is, is pathetic. It makes the whole thing seem a bit of a nonsense if they’re willing to pick someone like Prince Harry.”

Retired officer Colonel Richard Kemp acknowledg­ed Harry’s bravery serving in Afghanista­n. But he added there were “helicopter pilots who have done much more extraordin­ary things in Iraq and Afghanista­n”. Living Legends of Aviation says “inductees are nominated and selected by current Living Legends, who then are part of future selection processes”.

And awards sources insisted “the negativity will not get our attention”. A source connected to the event said: “Harry’s honour recognises so

much of his

He is not a living legend of aviation.. to say he is, is pathetic

LORD WEST ON PRINCE HARRY BEING INDUCTED

entire life, not just his time flying helicopter­s and serving in the Army. Our award is a celebratio­n of aviators but also life-changing people connected to our world.

“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 disgracefu­l.

“Of course, John was an advocate for Harry and supported his nomination. He has always felt a connection to him, especially as he and Diana enjoyed that moment of pop culture history by dancing at the White House.

“It was a highlight of his amazing life and the pair had a bond. John has felt her sons have continued her legacy and drive for charity. John and Harry uniting will be another memorable night.”

 ?? ?? AWARD Prince Harry
ICONIC MOMENT Travolta and Diana’s White House dance in 1985
PILOT Actor John Travolta loves to fly
AWARD Prince Harry ICONIC MOMENT Travolta and Diana’s White House dance in 1985 PILOT Actor John Travolta loves to fly

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