Prince Harry 'stunned' by fallout over his ESPY nomination after Afghanistan veteran's own mother speaks out

Prince Harry has reportedly been left "stunned" following the backlash over his ESPY nomination, the Daily Mail reported. Harry has been nominated for the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his Invictus Games work.

The Duke of Sussex is set to make an appearance at the star-studded ceremony on July 11. The award is named after former football star Pat Tillman, who gave up a $3.8million contract to enlist in the U.S. Army following the 9/11 tragedy.

Tillman's life was tragically cut short 20 years ago when he was killed in friendly fire in Afghanistan. His mother Mary told the outlet last week that she hadn't been consulted over Prince Harry receiving the award in her late son's name.

She told the Mail: "'I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.

"There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.

"These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized."

READ MORE: Prince Harry's dispute with war hero's mum over ESPY award is a 'tragedy all round'

READ MORE: Meghan Markle 'genuinely hurt' by Prince William and Royal Family's actions as stalemate reached

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams agreed and told The Sun : "It's a very, very sad situation, and I think this is one of the reasons Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat, believes that Harry isn't fit, and that is a wasted opportunity. In my opinion, I think it's been a tragedy all round."

The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) is run by the sports TV network, ESPN and honors unsung heroes in the sporting field.

Last year, the Pat Tillman award was given to members of the Buffalo Bills football team training staff after they managed to revive a dying player on the field.

ESPN said Harry is being honored for his "tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport". But the Duke's nomination has faced criticism.

The Telegraph claimed that "anything relating to his military record and work with veterans, it is a particularly bitter pill to swallow, one source admitted".

Sources told the publication: "Harry’s legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that’s his real passion. This is the space in which he truly feels at home, it is something he deeply cares about. The reaction certainly took the shine off the award."