Prince Harry is set to receive the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY sports awards in the U.S. tonight, recognizing his decade-long effort in founding the Invictus Games for injured and sick servicemen and women. However, this accolade has sparked significant controversy, with a petition urging ESPN to reconsider the decision, reflecting the public's mixed reactions to the award.
Royal expert and historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop suggests that Prince Harry will be "surprised and hurt" by the backlash. Speaking to the Mirror, Dr. Dunlop emphasized that the criticism misses the core reason for Harry's recognition. "Tonight, Prince Harry will accept the Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS. This year's event is more high profile than ever due to the uproar over the Duke's eligibility for the prize," she said.
A petition decrying the decision to award Harry the accolade, named after the late American football star and soldier Pat Tillman, has gathered thousands of signatures. Critics have unfairly compared Tillman, who left a lucrative NFL career to serve in Afghanistan where he was killed, to Prince Harry, who left royal life to serve two tours in Afghanistan.
Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, expressed her shock at the decision. "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," she said, highlighting the disproportionate backlash that has indeed hurt Harry.
Despite the controversy, many within the military community stand by Harry's contributions. Helen Lewis, who lost her son, Lieutenant Aaron Lewis, in Afghanistan in 2008, praised Harry's support for veterans and their families. "I found Harry impressive, he was always so friendly and put us and the grandchildren at ease," she said. Lewis shared touching memories of Harry interacting with her grandson, Harrison, during commemorative services, showcasing Harry's genuine care and connection with the military community.
Harry's dedication to the veteran community is underscored by the success of the Invictus Games, an international multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women. Dr. Dunlop noted, "That ability to connect on a human level is the key to Harry's success as an ambassador for military veterans. He really cares."
Nick Ede, a brand and culture expert, told Newsweek that Harry's presence at the awards could be divisive. "All eyes are going to be on him. It's a massive coup for ESPN because they know they're going to get the ratings and the column inches, but the fact of the matter is it's a controversial award to be given to him," Ede said. He suggested that Harry should accept the award and dedicate it to others more deserving, potentially mitigating some of the backlash.
Harry's own military service, which included flying Apache helicopters in Afghanistan, and his public advocacy for veterans through the Invictus Games, are significant. However, he has faced criticism, including from British military figures, over his memoir "Spare," where he revealed killing 25 Taliban fighters, describing them as "chess pieces removed from the board."
ESPN defended its decision, stating, "ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring 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."
The ESPY Awards, which will be broadcast by ABC, are expected to draw significant attention, not least due to the controversy surrounding Prince Harry's honor. As he prepares to accept the Pat Tillman Award, Harry faces a challenging situation, balancing public perception with his commitment to the veteran community.
As Dr. Dunlop concluded, "Harry must ignore the naysayers and stand proud tonight when he collects his award. He is picking it up for the men and women whose lives were lost or changed forever in war."
