The announcement that Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is set to receive the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards has sparked significant and widespread backlash. This reaction has reportedly left the 39-year-old royal stunned and deeply unsettled by the public’s overwhelmingly negative response.

The Pat Tillman Award for Service is presented annually by ESPN to individuals who have made remarkable contributions that echo the legacy and heroism of the late NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Tillman, a former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, made the brave decision to enlist in the military after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and was later killed by friendly fire in 2004 while serving in Afghanistan. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice.

The decision to honor Prince Harry with this esteemed award has raised considerable eyebrows, particularly from the late hero’s own mother, Mary Tillman. In a scathing and highly critical public statement, Mary Tillman openly lambasted ESPN’s choice, claiming she was never consulted about the decision and expressing her vehement disapproval of the network’s selection of the Duke of Sussex as the recipient.

A source close to the Sussexes revealed that the intense and unrelenting fallout from this high-profile announcement has been a bitter pill to swallow for the embattled couple. The insider stated that while Prince Harry is no stranger to intense public scrutiny and criticism, the discourse surrounding his military background and perceived lack of true service has been particularly upsetting and demoralizing for him. “This is the space in which he truly feels at home. It is something he has always taken immense pride in and deeply cares about. The overwhelmingly negative reaction certainly took the shine off the award and left him feeling rather stunned,” the source added.

Prince Harry’s military service and accomplishments have long been a source of deep personal pride and a core part of his identity. The father of two served in the British Armed Forces for a full decade, including two grueling tours of duty in Afghanistan, where he worked tirelessly in roles such as an Apache helicopter pilot and a Forward Air Controller. This profound military experience has been a significant shaping force in his life and has informed much of his post-royal public service work, including his founding of the highly successful Invictus Games, an international sporting event dedicated to wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.

It is this tireless dedication to supporting and championing the causes of military veterans and their families through initiatives like the Invictus Games that ESPN has cited as the primary reason for honoring Prince Harry with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award. The network has fiercely defended its decision, stating unequivocally that the Duke of Sussex’s unwavering commitment to this noble cause is worth celebrating and holding up as an example for all to follow.

However, this is not the first time that Prince Harry’s military-related achievements and accolades have drawn widespread criticism and intense scrutiny from both the public and respected figures within the armed forces community. In January 2024, the royal received the highly contentious Living Legends of Aviation Award, presented to him by renowned actor John Travolta. This particular decision was subsequently slammed and condemned by Admiral Lord West, the former head of the Royal Navy, who bluntly stated that Harry is not a living legend and does not deserve such an honor.

The Sussexes have also been repeatedly accused of collecting trophies in a calculated effort to buy the public’s respect through various awards and accolades. This claim has only added further fuel to the raging controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s latest award from ESPN. This persistent perception of the couple’s self-serving motivations has further fueled the overwhelming backlash, with many arguing that the Duke’s military service and humanitarian work should not be reduced to a mere public relations exercise or an attempt to bolster their image.

As the fallout from this latest award announcement continues to reverberate across the globe, it remains to be seen how Prince Harry and the Sussexes will navigate this latest chapter in the ongoing public scrutiny and criticism they have faced since stepping back from their official royal duties. The visceral reaction to the Pat Tillman Award decision has clearly caught the Duke off guard, and the long-term impact of this controversy on his legacy, public standing, and the future of his various charitable initiatives will be closely watched and analyzed in the weeks and months ahead.

Prince Harry’s Military Service and Its Impact

Prince Harry’s military service has always been a cornerstone of his public persona. Serving in the British Army for ten years, he undertook two tours in Afghanistan, where he earned respect and admiration for his dedication and bravery. His work as an Apache helicopter pilot and Forward Air Controller exemplified his commitment to serving his country. This experience profoundly shaped his character and instilled in him a deep respect for those who serve in the armed forces.

After stepping back from his royal duties, Prince Harry continued to honor his military roots by founding the Invictus Games in 2014. The Invictus Games have provided a platform for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women to compete and showcase their resilience and determination. This initiative has been widely praised and has become a significant part of Harry’s legacy, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the military community.

Public Perception and Criticism

Despite his genuine contributions, Prince Harry’s receipt of the Pat Tillman Award has been met with skepticism and criticism. Detractors argue that his military service, while commendable, does not equate to the sacrifice and heroism displayed by Pat Tillman. They contend that Harry’s privileged background and royal status afforded him opportunities and protections not available to the average soldier. This criticism is compounded by the perception that the Sussexes often seek public recognition and awards to enhance their public image.

The backlash from Mary Tillman, in particular, has added a poignant and personal dimension to the controversy. Her disapproval underscores the sensitivity surrounding the legacy of her son and the criteria for honoring individuals with the Pat Tillman Award. Her public statement has resonated with many who feel that the award should be reserved for those who have made extraordinary sacrifices.

The Sussexes’ Response

In response to the backlash, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have maintained a relatively low profile, avoiding direct confrontation with their critics. Sources close to the couple suggest that the criticism has been deeply upsetting for Harry, who takes great pride in his military service and his work with veterans. The negative reaction has reportedly left him feeling disheartened and demoralized, questioning the public’s perception of his genuine efforts.

Moving forward, the Sussexes will need to navigate this controversy carefully. Their response and subsequent actions will be scrutinized closely as they continue to balance their public and private lives. The challenge will be to demonstrate the authenticity of their commitments while addressing the criticism and skepticism that has arisen.

Conclusion

The decision to honor Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman Award for Service has sparked a significant and widespread backlash, highlighting the complexities of public perception and the challenges faced by the Sussexes. While Harry’s military service and his dedication to veterans through initiatives like the Invictus Games are commendable, the controversy surrounding this award underscores the ongoing scrutiny and criticism they face. As the fallout from this announcement continues to unfold, the Sussexes will need to carefully navigate the public’s response and demonstrate the authenticity of their commitments to earn back the respect and admiration they seek.