In the midst of a controversy that was caused by the mother of the football player who gave up his NFL career after 9/11 to serve his nation, Prince Harry was presented with the 2024 Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYS event that took place in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Since Tillman's passing, this distinction has been given upon a number of unsung heroes during the course of his life. The Arizona Cardinals offered him a hefty deal, but he turned it down in order to serve in the elite Rangers group of the United States Army in Afghanistan, where he had been slain in 2004.
As a result of Mary Tillman's statement to The Daily Mail, the selection of the Duke of Sussex as the winner for this year has been subject to examination. Tillman stated that she was "shocked" by the choice, considering that there are recipients who are significantly more suitable.
Earlier this month, ESPN made the announcement that Prince Harry would be the recipient of the award. The reason given was his tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through The Invictus Games Foundation, which he personally established. According to the release, the athletic event that is being held for servicemen and women who have been wounded, injured, or sick celebrates resilience, community, and healing through the power of sport.
An emotional Prince Harry conveyed his "gratitude" to everyone who was there at the Pat Tillman Foundation at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. His wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was present to witness the event.
“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. This award belongs to them. Not to me,” Prince Harry said.
In addition, the Duke of Sussex stated that it is essential to recognize these allies, athletes, and their incredible families for their accomplishments, their energy, and their bravery. He also stated that the Invictus Games have been responsible for a reduction in the number of veteran suicides that have occurred over the past nine years.
“The spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race, time, and borders. It is born from unity and exudes purpose,” the younger brother of Prince William stated.
The decision to award Prince Harry has been met with opposition from Mary Tillman, who has referred to him as "a controversial and divisive individual" and stated that 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 recognized,” Mary said last month.
An ESPN spokesperson issued a statement in which they said that Prince Harry was honored with the support of the Tillman Foundation specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation, which is celebrating its tenth year of promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans all over 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,” it added.
While avid followers of Prince Harry are still in celebratory mood following his latest milestone, royal expert Angela Levin was quick to lambast the duke’s latest move.
“Harry being hypocritical again? Mary, the mother of American hero Pat Tillman did not want Harry to take the remembrance award. She felt he wasn't honourable like her son. H said ‘The bond between mother and transcends even the greatest lost,’ but hangs on to the award,” Angela wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Netizens also chimed in and further criticized Prince Harry for accepting the award. “That wasn’t about Mary Tillman, that was Harry saying ‘Don’t forget I’m Diana’s son,’” one X user wrote.
“Speech likely was prepared by his wife who only plagiarizes as it is proven many times. That quote is taken. We need to check his full speech as likely all is plagiarized,” another tweeted. “Harry plagiarised that quote .. or did Meghan write his speech? Same, same whatever!” a third netizen stated.
Business Times has reached out to Prince Harry for comments.
