Had Been Scheduled To Fly In Battle Of Britain Commemoration

Prince Harry was supposed to have been among those flying in a vintage Spitfire airplane Tuesday during a commemorative fly-by marking the 75th anniversary of the Battle Of Britain.

It didn't work out that way, but for a very good reason.

About 40 aircraft, including Spitfires, Hurricanes, and Bristol Blenheim bombers took part in the fly-by Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex before dispersing to airfields around the country, and Prince Harry was to have been aboard one of the two-place Spitfires for the event, which was held on his 31st birthday, according to British media including the Telegraph newspaper.

But one of the Spitfires broke down and was unable to participate, and the Royal gave up his seat so that 95-year-old Tom Neil, a veteran of the Battle of Britain, former wing commander and Spitfire pilot, could have the honor instead. The Telegraph reports that Mr. Neil is the last living fighter ace from the battle in Britain.

The other seats in the two-place Spitfires had been promised to Nathan Foster, a former Parachute Regiment Private who was wounded by an IED in Helmand Province in Afghanistan in 2011, and RAF Corporal Alan Robinson, an aircraft technician who recently lost a leg in a motorcycle accident. Prince Harry said he wanted to be sure they had the opportunity to take part in the commemoration, so he stayed on the ground, occasionally leaning on a walking stick he was holding for Mr. Neil.

(Spitfire pictured in file photo)

FMI: www.battleofbritainmemorial.org/events