Prince Harry's Reported Reaction to ESPYs Backlash Shows How Personal the Criticism Was

The ESPY Awards on Thursday, July 11 are gearing up to be a star-studded event, especially since Prince Harry’s honor, the Pat Tillman Award for Service, seems to be a controversial pick for some people. The Duke of Sussex is being feted for his work with the Invictus Games and the British Armed Forces — but according to the royal’s critics, he doesn’t deserve the award.

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It’s strange that there is such a backlash because Prince Harry seems to fit right into the criteria for the honor. The ESPY Awards press release stated that the “award is given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger, Pat Tillman.” While Harry and Pat’s backgrounds are very different, their ties to military service and athletics align nicely.

While the Duke of Sussex is used to criticism when it comes to his exit from the royal family, the backlash tied to the ESPYs reportedly left him “stunned,” according to The Telegraph . The British outlet claimed that “it has become increasingly clear that he is now as divisive a figure in the US as he is in the UK.” However, Pat’s mother, Mary Tillman, became a very squeaky wheel in the discourse immediately after the honor was announced.

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told the Daily Mail. “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.”

For Harry, her words cut deeply, according to The Telegraph ‘s source. “ Harry’s legacy on Invictus , the things he has achieved, that’s his real passion,” they revealed. “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.” Yet British media outlets failed to report that Mary has nothing to do with the Pat Tillman Foundation and has never been a part of the selection process.

ESPN doubled down on their support of Prince Harry, telling Us Weekly , “While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.” The Invictus Games has been an powerful platform for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to share their passion for philanthropy. The events have been well received and countries are clamoring to host future games. It’s understandable that Harry was hurt by the criticism, but it seems to be a targeted attack at a very convenient time by the British press.

Before you go, click here to see more of Meghan Markle & Prince Harry’s milestones since leaving the royal family.