Prince Harry addresses ESPY Award criticism in powerful speech as proud wife Meghan Markle looks on
By Rebecca Lewis,
2024-07-12
The Duke of Sussex was honoured at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, joined by wife the Duchess of Sussex where they rubbed shoulders with sports stars, including S erena Williams, who was hosting.
The father-of-two gave an emotional speech in which he discussed the "eternal bond" between mothers and sons, and came close to tears as he listened to former Pat Tillman Award recipients, and Invictus Games competitors, Kirstie Ennis, Israel Del Toro and Elizabeth Marks give a powerful introduction.
"I'd like to acknowledge the Tillman family, and especially Mrs Mary Tillman, Pat's mother, her advocacy of Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one I respect. The bond between mother and son is eternal, and transcends even the greatest losses," said Prince Harry as he began a four-minute long speech; Mrs Tillman had previously criticised the choice to honor Prince Harry.
Watch part of his speech in the clip below...
He continued: "The truth is I do not stand here as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman award recipient, but as a voice on behalf of the Invictus games foundation, and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.
The Duke, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020 , was recognised for founding the Invictus Games a decade ago to support injured and sick servicemen and women – both on active duty and veterans – who are navigating physical and invisible injuries.
He continued: "That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, spirit and courage at every opportunity especially on nights like this in front of people like you.
"Moments like these help us reach those who need Invictus the most, and reduce more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives in this country alone."
" The spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race and time and borders , it is all community and exudes purpose. While so much progress has been made from those first games, the world outside seems to be in a more precarious state," he said, adding: "Our community challenges that and proves that unity is not just possible but formidable, the beauty of the Invictus Games is how it brings people together."
“It is a collective, built from courage and mutual respect, where athletes discover time and time again, the common denominator of their humanity. Having survived the crucible of armed combat, and forged through the challenge to rebuild bodies and minds impacted by conflict, they form a family.
He concluded by saying that the Invictus Games is there for everyone, and would "leave no-one behind".
Prince Harry's ESPYs speech in full
I'd like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I’m so honoured is here tonight.
"I’d also like to acknowledge The Tillman family, especially Mrs Mary Tillman, Pat's mother.
"Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect.
"The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.
"The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.
"This award belongs to them, not to me.
"That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you.
"Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most, and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone.
"For those who may not know, 'Invictus' comes from Latin, meaning 'undefeated' or 'unconquerable'.
"Nelson Mandela credited the poem of the same name, written by the poet William Ernest Henley, for giving him the strength to endure nearly 30 years of imprisonment.
"Like that poem, the spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race, time, and borders. It is born from unity, and exudes purpose.
"This year, we are celebrating ten years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport.
"And while so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.
"We live in an age marked by polarisation and division.
"Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.
"Our community challenges that.
"Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable.
“The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together, no matter one’s nationality, background, or personal struggles.
"It is a collective built from courage and mutual respect, where athletes discover time and time again, the common denominator of their humanity.
"Having survived the crucible of armed combat and forged through the challenge to rebuild bodies and minds impacted by conflict, they form a family.
"They exemplify the very best in all of us.
"There is a military expression that dates back to Roman times. I’ll spare you another Latin lesson – but the phrase translates roughly to 'leave no one behind'.
"They hold particular significance for the US Army's Rangers, and I have no doubt Pat Tillman and his comrades lived by those words.
"So, it is fitting that I end with them and make a promise on behalf of all of us at the Invictus Games Foundation.
"No matter the road ahead, we are here for you. We will leave no one behind."
Friends reunited
Upon her arrival, Meghan was pictured hugging close friend Serena before the ceremony kicked off, and Harry and Meghan got a shout-out from Serena during her opening monologue, with the pair laughing from their front-row seats in Hollywood's Dolby Theatre.
"And tonight is no exception, Prince Harry and Meghan are here, let's give it up for them!" she continued.
But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much because it's my night, and I don't want to be overshadowed by the accusation that you are taken up too much oxygen."
See the moment here...
Ahead of the ceremony, ESPN vice-president of production Kate Jackson said: "It's our privilege to recognise three incredible individuals – Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry. These honourees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalised and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance, and we're thrilled to celebrate them at the 2024 ESPYs."
The honour comes after Harry travelled to the UK in May for a special event at St Paul's Cathedral to mark ten years of the Invictus Games. He served on two frontline tours in Afghanistan and spent a decade in the British armed forces.
The Pat Tillman Award for Service is named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.
Meghan's evening look
The Duchess wowed in a cream halter-neck dress by Oscar de la Renta, in a look that echoed her second wedding dress by Stella McCartney.
She teamed the gown with black strappy Celine heels and delicate jewellery from Lorraine Schwartz, and opted for a sleek bun and smoky eye makeup with a sweep of bronzer across her freckled cheeks.
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