Prince Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award despite calls from veterans to reject it, using his speech to pay tribute to the fallen soldier’s mother after she remarked that he was too ‘privileged’ and that other soldiers were more deserving.
The Duke of Sussex, with his wife Meghan Markle watching, spoke of the ‘eternal bond’ between mother and son, nodding to both Mary Tillman and Princess Diana.Prince Harry Receives Pat Tillman Award As Meghan Watches.
Harry faced pressure to reject the award as it typically honors unsung veterans, with over 76,000 people signing a petition to reverse the decision.
Mary Tillman told the Mail she was ‘shocked’ it would go to ‘such a controversial and divisive figure,’ arguing that more fitting recipients lacked the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has.
However, at the star-studded ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, hosted by Meghan’s close friend Serena Williams, Harry extended an olive branch to Mary Tillman. Meghan beamed with pride as Harry expressed his ‘respect’ for Mary Tillman’s preservation of her son’s bravery and memory, and he also praised the sacrifice of wounded veterans and highlighted the Invictus Games in his victory speech.
“Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” Harry said. “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
Although Mary Tillman did not attend the ceremony, Pat’s widow, Marie, was present and watched seriously as the award was given to Harry.
Harry brushed off calls to decline the prize, including criticisms from former head of Britain’s Royal Navy Lord West, who warned the royal risked upsetting military veterans.
The Pat Tillman Award, named after the iconic NFL player and US Army Ranger who left his lucrative sports career to enlist in the army after 9/11 and died in Afghanistan in 2004 due to friendly fire, was presented to Prince Harry.
On stage, Harry—who served two tours in Afghanistan—used the moment to honor wounded veterans. Receiving the award from three previous winners, he acknowledged the struggles military personnel face upon returning from duty.
Despite some criticism, ESPN defended their choice, citing Harry’s role in establishing the Invictus Games.
In his speech, Harry dedicated the award to “the entire service community,” saying, “Tonight, we celebrate healing through sport,” and concluded by addressing veterans worldwide, assuring them, “We will leave no one behind.”
