Prince Harry is “stunned” by the backlash he received after being named the winner of the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs.
The 39-year-old Duke of Sussex will be honoured for his military experience and work at the Invictus Games at a festive ceremony on July 11.
The announcement caused much surprise, including that of the late heroine’s mother, Mary Tillman, who criticized ESPN, claiming she was never consulted about the decision.
Now a source claims the aftermath has been a “bitter pill to swallow” for the Sussexes.
“Harry’s legacy on Invictus, the things he’s achieved, that’s his real passion,” a source told the Telegraph.
The insider added that Harry is no stranger to scrutiny, but that he found the discussion about his military background particularly disturbing.
“This is the space he really feels at home in, it’s something he cares about very much. The reaction has definitely taken the shine off the award.”
The Post has contacted Harry’s representatives for comment.
ESPN has since defended its decision to honor Harry, saying his work on the Invictus Games “is a cause worth celebrating.”
This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the world, following the example of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger who enlisted in the military after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Tillman, a former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, served in Iraq and then Afghanistan before being killed by friendly fire in 2004. The soldier was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his service.
The source noted that the situation was eerily similar to when Harry – who served 10 years in the British armed forces, including two tours in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot and forward air controller – was recognised as a living legend of aviation.
In January, the father of two received the Living Legends of Aviation Award, presented by host John Travolta.
King Charles’ youngest son was subsequently inducted into the Hall of Fame of the “Living Legend of Aviation”.
The decision was later criticised by Admiral Lord West, former head of the Royal Navy, who simply said that Harry “is not a living legend.”
The Sussexes have since been accused of “collecting trophies” to “buy the public’s respect.”