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Privacy NoticePrince Harry paid a touching tribute to the “eternal” bond between a mother and son as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday, 11 July. The Duke of Sussex was recognised with the award – given to an individual with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that mirrors the legacy of former NFL player and US Army Ranger, Pat Tillman – for his work with the Invictus Games. Harry founded the Invictus Games a decade ago to support injured and sick servicemen and women – both on active duty and veterans – who are navigating physical and invisible injuries. Despite criticism from the soldier’s mother, Mary Tillman, over the decision to honour him, the 39 year old Royal made sure she was one of the first people he mentioned in his acceptance speech. Harry, who tragically lost his mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12 years old, said: “I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I’m so honoured is here tonight.” “I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother.”
Prince Harry said the bond between a mother and son “transcends even the greatest losses” as he was honoured at this year’s Espy awards
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“Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.” It comes ahead of the anniversary of the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. Before Harry took to the stage at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, the night’s host, tennis champion Serena Williams, introduced “three heroes” who had competed in the Invictus Games. The prince urged them to stay with him as he delivered his speech, saying: “You need to be with me.” Harry dedicated his award to “thousands” of sick and wounded veterans and service personnel who have participated in the games. Addressing the audience, which included his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, he said: “The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.”
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California
He continued: “This award belongs to them, not to me. That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you.” “Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone.” “This year, we are celebrating 10 years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport. And while so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.” “We live in an age marked by polarisation and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.” “Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry with Serena Williams, who hosted the awards
Pat Tillman’s mum Marie had previously expressed her belief that there were “far more fitting” recipients for the award named after her son. Speaking to DailyMail.com, she said: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.” “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.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnPrince HarryPrincess DianaSerena Williams
