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Privacy NoticePrince Harry has sullied his achievements by failing to take a graceful decision over accepting an award, according to a royal expert. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond exclusively told OK! that the “easiest path” for Prince Harry would have been to “gracefully decline” the Pat Tillman Award after facing backlash at the ESPY awards on Thursday, 11 July. Prince Harry accepted the esteemed award at the dazzling event in Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. The royal’s contribution to the Invictus Games, planned for next year in Canada, earned him the recognition. But the prince faced backlash after being honoured at the ESPY Awards, with the mother of war hero Pat Tillman saying she was “shocked” over the decision to hand him the award named after her late son.
Prince Harry accepted the esteemed Pat Tillman Award for Service at the dazzling event in Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre
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Jennie gave her view on proceedings, saying:” This is an awkward situation for Harry, particularly if Pat Tillman‘s mother is correctly quoted as saying she does not want the award to go to the prince. “Surely the easiest path for Harry would have been to gracefully decline the award, rather than court further controversy and negative publicity. His achievements in setting up the Invictus Games have been correctly applauded worldwide, so it seems daft to sully that reputation by accepting an award that has become so controversial.”
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, watched on as her husband took to the stage to be honoured with the award, recognising his work with the Invictus Games
The Duke of Sussex was reportedly “stunned” to hear of the backlash and according to Tatler, is said to be finding it a “bitter pill to swallow”. At the prestigious event, the Duchess of Sussex, 42, watched on as her husband took to the stage to be honoured with the award. The Pat Tillman Award for Service is named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004. The award is a tribute to the legacy of the former footballer, who gave up a massive $3.8million contract to join the US Army after 9/11. Prince Harry’s appearance at the ESPY awards, which celebrates lesser-known sporting heroes, comes after Pat’s mother expressed her disapproval of his selection for the award.
After accepting the award, Harry opened his speech by acknowledging the family of Mr Tillman, “especially Mrs Mary Tillman – Pat’s mother”
(Image: BANG Showbiz.)
Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary, voiced her shock at the decision to honour Prince Harry in her late son’s name. “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she admitted. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mary questioned the selection, stating, “There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.” “These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”
The prince faced backlash with the mother of war hero Pat Tillman saying she was “shocked” over the decision to hand the award to the royal
(Image: Getty Images)
However, ESPN then addressed the backlash and a spokesperson for ESPY responded in a statement, saying: “ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honouring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world. “While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
The 2024 ESPY (Excellence in Sport Performance Yearly) ceremony was hosted by tennis champion Serena Williams – who is a close friend of Harry and Meghan
After accepting the award, Harry opened his speech by acknowledging the family of Mr Tillman, “especially Mrs Mary Tillman – Pat’s mother”. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal, and one that I respect,” he said. “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.” The 2024 ESPY (Excellence in Sport Performance Yearly) ceremony in Los Angeles was hosted by tennis champion Serena Williams – who is a close friend of Harry and Meghan. During her opening monologue, Serena joked: “Please Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight, because this is my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnPrincePrince HarryHarry and Meghan
