Prince Harry was honored at a ceremony in the United States, despite the mother of the award’s namesake arguing that others were more deserving.
O Duke of Sussex received the ESPN Sports Channel’s Pat Tillman Service Award, given to individuals in the sports world who have made significant contributions to the lives of others.
The award is named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.
The Duke was recognized for founding the Invictus Games for a decade to support wounded and sick servicemen and women facing physical and invisible injuries.
Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, criticized the network’s choice, claiming there are other people working in the veterans community who would have been a better fit.
Upon receiving the award, Prince Harry thanked Tillman’s widow, Marie, for her presence and thanked Mary Tillman.
‘The bond between mother and child is eternal’
“Your defense of Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” he said, before nodding to his mother, Diana.
“The bond between mother and child is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
The 2024 ESPY (Excellence in Annual Sports Performance) ceremony at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles was hosted by tennis champion Serena Williams, a friend of the Duchess of Sussex, who was also at the event.
During her opening monologue, Williams joked: “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 that you are consuming too much oxygen. “
ESPN previously said Harry was being honored for his “tireless work in making a positive impact on the veteran community through the power of sports.”
‘More precarious’ world now
Harry, who served two frontline tours in Afghanistan and spent 10 years in the British military, said the world felt even more “precarious” than it did a decade ago.
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“We live in a time marked by polarization and division,” he said.
“Conflicts rage across the world. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to permeate societies across the world.
“Our community defies this. Our community proves that unity is not only possible, but formidable.
“The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in the way it brings people together, regardless of nationality, origin or personal struggles.”
Previous recipients include Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, whose high-profile campaign persuaded the government to provide free meals to vulnerable young people during school holidays during the pandemic.
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