Prince Harry and Meghan Markle once again found themselves at the center of a media firestorm following their appearance at the ESPY Awards on July 11, where Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service. Despite the couple's efforts to shine a light on the Invictus Games, their acceptance of the award has been met with a barrage of criticism, with many accusing Harry of being "tone deaf" to public perception.
The controversy began even before the awards ceremony, as Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, publicly expressed her disappointment with ESPN's decision to honor Harry. "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," Mary told an outlet. She argued that there are many other deserving individuals within the veteran community who lack the "money, resources, connections, or privilege" that Prince Harry possesses.
During his acceptance speech, Harry attempted to address the criticism head-on. "I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I am so honored is here tonight," he began. He then acknowledged Mary Tillman directly, saying, "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."
Despite these acknowledgments, the backlash persisted. Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair's royal correspondent, criticized the couple's approach during an interview on Kinsey Schofield's "Heirs and Spares" podcast. "I think they probably are so immersed in their own narrative that they find it quite hard to understand why people take a pop at them," Nicholl said. "They probably find it so hard to understand why they are so divisive."
Nicholl's comments highlight a recurring criticism of Harry and Meghan-that they often appear out of touch with public sentiment. This perception has been exacerbated by their high-profile projects and frequent media appearances, which some see as attempts to control their narrative without fully engaging with their critics.
At the ESPYs, Harry tried to clarify his intentions, emphasizing that he was there to represent the Invictus Games. "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 Foundation a reality," he stated. "This award belongs to them, not to me."
However, Mary Tillman's disapproval resonated with many, and the controversy did not abate. ESPN defended its decision in a statement, explaining that they, along with the Tillman Foundation, chose to honor Harry specifically for his work with the Invictus Games. "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 network said.
The Pat Tillman Award, named after the former NFL player who left a lucrative career to enlist in the U.S. Army and was later killed in action, is meant to recognize individuals who exemplify service and sacrifice. Harry's critics argue that his privileged background and controversial status make him an inappropriate recipient.
This incident is just the latest in a series of public relations challenges for Harry and Meghan. Their departure from royal duties and subsequent move to the United States have been accompanied by numerous interviews, documentaries, and Harry's memoir "Spare," all of which have drawn both praise and criticism.
In her interview, Nicholl suggested that the couple's difficulties in navigating public perception stem from their insular approach. "I do think that sometimes they have the tendency to come over as being slightly tone deaf," she remarked. This perception has not been helped by their high-profile disputes with other members of the royal family, particularly Prince William and Kate Middleton.
As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to forge their path outside the confines of royal life, they face the ongoing challenge of reconciling their public image with their personal narrative. Their efforts to highlight issues such as mental health, veteran support, and social justice are often overshadowed by controversies like the ESPY Awards debacle.
