Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on July 11, recognizing his work with the Invictus Games. The award, named after Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who left his career to join the US Army Rangers and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the lives of others through sports.However, the selection of Prince Harry for this award sparked controversy. Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman’s mother, expressed surprise and disagreement with the choice, stating that there were more deserving individuals without Harry’s resources and privileges. Despite the backlash, ESPN defended their decision, citing Harry’s founding of the Invictus Games and his continued work as its patron.In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry addressed the controversy directly. He emphasized that he was accepting the award not as Prince Harry, but as a representative of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel who have made the games a reality. He also acknowledged Mary Tillman in the audience, expressing respect for her advocacy of her son’s legacy.The Duke was accompanied by his wife, Meghan Markle, to the event. The ceremony was hosted by their friend, tennis star Serena Williams, who made a lighthearted joke about the couple ‘taking up too much oxygen,’ which they laughed off.Prince Harry also used his speech to highlight the importance of the Invictus Games in promoting healing and unity in a world marked by polarization and division. He drew a parallel between the enduring bond of a mother and son and his own experience of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at a young age.Despite the controversy, the award recognition was seen as a celebration of Prince Harry’s decade-long dedication to the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans.
Key points
- Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards for his work with the Invictus Games.
- The selection of Prince Harry for the award sparked controversy, with Pat Tillman’s mother expressing disapproval.
- In his acceptance speech, Harry emphasized that the award belongs to the Invictus Games community and addressed the controversy directly.
- The event was hosted by Serena Williams, who made a lighthearted joke about the royal couple.
Contradictions👾While most sources reported on the controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s selection for the award, some focused more on the positive aspects of the event and Harry’s speech.
