Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 'drowning out noise' as Duke 'feeling quite sad' after major award backlash

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly "drowning out noise" following the recent backlash against the Duke of Sussex's ESPY award .

Harry, 39, was recently named as the recipient of the 2024 EPSY Pat Tillman Award for Service for his own military work, as well the Invictus Games.

The announcement caused a stir among many royal fans, as well as Mary Tillman - the late hero's mum - who claimed she was not made aware Harry would be receiving the award .

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Speaking recently to the New York Post, former Royal butler Grant Harrold said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are "used to the criticism given everything that's gone on over the last few years".

He continued: "I'm sure they'll be drowning out the outside noise by continuing with their normal and everyday life and trying not to turn on the television, or read the papers as much. They're being talked about constantly, given their profiles."

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Discussing the pair on behalf of Fruity Slots, Mr Harrold - who worked for King Charles for seven years - added: "From what I remember, Harry was always an extremely private person, so I'm not sure how he'll feel about that, but I can imagine his way of coping with the attention is to carry on as normal."

Speaking earlier, the former Royal butler said the Duke would, however, likely be "feeling sad" over the recent criticism.

The specialist explained: "If he thinks that it is going to cause upset, then it is quite likely that he could decline the award ... because he'd never want to cause any upset and it would affect him hearing about the backlash."

Following the announcement of Harry's honour, ESPN stood by their decision, stating it was "a cause worth celebrating".

Prince Harry served in the British Armed Forces for 10 years, with two tours of duty in Afghanistan as both an Apache helicopter pilot and a forward air controller.

In addition to his service, in 2014, Harry set up the Invictus Games, a competition for wounded, injured, and infirm military personnel from across the globe, regardless of whether they are currently serving or are veterans.