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Privacy NoticePrince Harry’s latest move has been branded “embarrassing” after he attended a glamorous event in Hollywood to accept the Pat Tillman Award for service from ESPN. This accolade is bestowed upon exceptional individuals in sports who’ve made major contributions to benefit others’ lives. Now, a GB News TV host has since called labelled the acceptance as “embarrassing” for the Prince. Nana Akua wrote: “How can they not see how jarring this must be for Pat’s mother and family? It beggars belief.” In her disapproval, she added: “They don’t want him to pick up the award even if he believes he is picking it up on behalf of others, he should respect that. Any last shred of credibility is well and truly gone. How embarrassing.”
Prince Harry accepts the Pat Tillman EPSY award.
(Image: (Image: Getty))
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Caught amidst a hail of criticism while accepting the award was the Duke of Sussex himself, including harsh words from Mary Tillman – Pat’s mum. Appalled by the choice, she told the Mail on Sunday: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.” Venting her disappointment further, she pointed out: “There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community who are doing tremendous things to assist veterans”, reports the Express. In an ironic twist, she highlighted the stark class difference between Prince Harry and the deserving yet underprivileged achievers stating, “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.”
Harry thanked everyone that was involved with the Invictus Games
(Image: (Image: Getty))
The award was named posthumously after former American footballer Pat Tillman, who bravely swapped his flourishing career for military service following the 9/11 tragedy. He met a tragic end in Afghanistan in 2004. Honoured for his dedication to Invictus Games, which recognises the sports achievements of wounded, unwell or injured servicemen and women, Prince Harry, 39, received the award. The Duke himself held an impressive 10 years stint in the Army, during which he rose up the ranks to Captain and completed two tours in Afghanistan. The announcement about his nomination led to backlash in the form of a change.org petition, demanding ESPN to re-evaluate its decision to give the prestigious honour to the Duke.
Prince Harry as he accepted his award on stage
After taking home his award, Prince Harry expressed his gratitude to Tillman’s widow, Marie, who attended the event, and also acknowledged Mary Tillman, saying, “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect.” In a heart-warming tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, he mentioned,”The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.” Addressing the Invictus Games, Harry commented: “While so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.”
Prince Harry’s decision to accept the award was not without scandal
(Image: (Image: Getty))
He stressed that the award wasn’t his property, but belonged to everyone involved in the Games. ESPN previously stated Harry was honoured for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport”. The 2024 ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, saw tennis superstar Serena Williams, a close pal of Meghan Markle, take on hosting duties. Previous winners include Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, who famously convinced the government to provide free meals for vulnerable children during school holidays amidst the pandemic.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnMeghan MarklePrince HarryPrincess DianaSerena Williams
