Prince Harry breaks silence on controversial award

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle defied calls to stand down from accepting a ‘sporting Oscar’ at a glitzy Los Angeles ceremony.

Prince Harry finally addressed the controversy around the prestigious Pat Tillman Award as he joined Meghan Markle for the ceremony in Los Angeles, hosted by the Duchess’s bestie and tennis legend Serena Williams.

Prince Harry, 39, and Ms Markle, 42, were seated in the front row at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater for ESPN’s 32nd annual ceremony, considered the Oscars of the sporting world.

“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,” Harry said.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex accepts the Pat Tillman Award onstage during the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex accepts the Pat Tillman Award onstage from Kirstie Ennis, Israel Del Toro and Elizabeth Marks. Picture: Getty Images

“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 most and reduce more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives in this country alone.”

The mother of the Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan after leaving his NFL career after the 9/11 terror attacks, said that Prince Harry was too controversial and privileged for the honour. And that it should go to someone more deserving.

In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry directly addressed Mary Tillman

“I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex are seen during the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2024 ESPY Awards.

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.”

When the award was announced, Ms Tillman said she was “shocked” they would choose such a “controversial and divisive individual”.

”There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,” she said.

The divisive nature of the Duke and Duchess was addressed by the award host Williams, who featured on Ms Markle’s failed podcast series Archetypes.

“Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let’s give it up for them,” the 23-time grand slam winner said to loud applause.

“But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight — because this is my night and I don’t want to be overshadowed by accusations you are taking up too much oxygen,” the tennis star quipped.