Controversy erupts as Prince Harry awarded Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs

Prince Harry has accepted an award at the ESPYs but the act has sparked a heated backlash that has left the exiled royal “quite sad”.

Prince Harry officially received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year’s ESPYs Thursday night — after the late hero’s mother said she was “shocked” it was going to the “controversial and divisive individual.”

The Duke of Sussex, 39, attended the star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles with wife Meghan Markle, 42, at his side. The event was hosted by her close pal and 23-time Grand Slam title winner Serena Williams.

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A visibly emotional Harry was introduced by veterans and past Tillman Award winners and Invictus athletes Marine Sergeant Kirstie Ennis, Army Sergeant Elizabeth Marks and US Air Force Master Sergeant Israel Del Toro Jr., for his work with the Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014 and provides athletic and healing opportunities to wounded veterans from around the world.

“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,” Prince Harry said.

“This award belongs to them, not to me.”

The exiled royal reportedly considered declining the award ahead of the ceremony after the backlash.

Despite his best efforts to drown out the noise over the controversy, ESPN’s announcement didn’t sit right with many, including Mary Tillman, who slammed the sports network and claimed she was never consulted about the decision to give the award to Harry.

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” Mary told the Daily Mail.

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

The award was named for ex-NFL star and soldier Pat Tillman, who was killed in 2004.

Prince Harry considered not accepting the award. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

In turn, ESPN defended its decision to honour the royal, saying his co-founding the Invictus Games and continued work as a patron of the organisation “is a cause worth celebrating.”

Harry acknowledged Mary Tillman, who was present in the audience, in his speech.

“The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses,” he said, appearing to reference the 1997 death of his own mother, Princess Diana, when he was just 12 years old.

The prince explained that the word “invictus” comes from Latin for “undefeated,” and was made famous by poet Ernest Henley in a poem beloved by South African leader Nelson Mandela.

“Like that poem, the spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race, times and borders,” Harry said, noting that thousands of veterans from 20 countries have participated with his foundation.

“This year we’re celebrating 10 years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport,” he said, to applause.

Another common Latin phrase known in the military translates to “leave no one behind,” and is particularly known among the Army Rangers, with whom Pat Tillman served.

“I have no doubt Pat Tillman and his comrades lived by those words. It is fitting that I end with them and make a promise from all of us at the Invictus Foundation: we are here for you. We will leave no one behind,” Harry concluded.

Harry’s appearance comes as he was reportedly left “stunned” and “quite sad” over the backlash following ESPN’s decision to honour him.

A source claims the fallout has been a “bitter pill to swallow” for the Sussexes.

“Harry’s legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that’s his real passion,” a source told the Telegraph.

The insider added that while Harry is no stranger to being under scrutiny, he particularly found discourse surrounding his military background upsetting.

“This is the space in which he truly feels at home, it is something he deeply cares about. The reaction certainly took the shine off the award.”

Harry accepted the award for the Invictus Games. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The father of two, who quit royal life in 2020, was handed the coveted award for his military experience and work on the Invictus Games.

Earlier in the evening, the royals were given a shout-out welcome from Williams.

“Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let’s give it up for them,” Williams 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.

Sergeant Del Toro had said earlier this year that the Prince was a worthy recipient of the award.

The award is handed out to individuals who have made significant contributions in the world, which echo the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who enlisted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Tillman, a former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, served in Iraq and then Afghanistan before he was killed by friendly fire in 2004, with the soldier posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service.

Harry, for his part, launched the Invictus Games in 2014 as multi-sport Paralympic-styled games for wounded or injured servicemen and veterans.

In addition, he served in the British armed forces for 10 years, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot and a forward air controller.

Harry with wife Meghan Markle. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Elsewhere, former NFL safety Steve Gleason received the esteemed Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.

Gleason played a total of seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2006 before hanging up his cleats in 2008.

The retired athlete was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2011.

University of South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley received The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.

The awards show was delayed by half an hour after President Joe Biden delivered a live press conference an hour later than scheduled, angering many sports fans.

In January, Harry received the Living Legends of Aviation award, handed to him by host John Travolta.

The younger son of King Charles was subsequently inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation Hall of Fame.

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.

Originally published as Controversy erupts as Prince Harry awarded Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs