- Prince Harry got a Pat Tillman award
- Fans were not happy at all
- Harry is shocked at their reactions
The award, which honors significant contributions echoing the legacy of the late NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, was met with skepticism and criticism, notably from Tillman's mother, Mary. Despite his substantial military background and work with the Invictus Games, the backlash has reportedly been a "bitter pill to swallow" for Prince Harry.
Harry's dishonorable honor
Prince Harry, known for his military valor and philanthropic endeavors, is "stunned" by the chilly reception to his latest accolade. The Duke, set to sparkle at the July 11 ceremony, never anticipated the wave of backlash following the announcement of his award, especially criticism from the late hero Pat Tillman's mother, who was reportedly not consulted about the decision.
At the heart of the uproar is the question of whether Prince Harry's achievements, particularly his role in founding the Invictus Games for wounded veterans, align with the spirit of the Pat Tillman Award.
ESPN, in defense of their choice, highlighted Harry's dedication to the cause as "worth celebrating." Yet, voices like Mary Tillman's and Admiral Lord West's skepticism underscore a contentious debate over the award's recipient this year.
The fallout from the announcement has been hard to digest for the Sussexes, with a source close to them revealing the ordeal as a "bitter pill to swallow."
Prince Harry, who served in the British Armed Forces for a decade, including two tours in Afghanistan, finds the criticism of his military background particularly disheartening. The duke's commitment to supporting veterans through the Invictus Games is a testament to his passion for the cause, making the backlash even more perplexing.
The insider added that while Harry is no stranger to being under scrutiny, he particularly found discourse surrounding his military background upsetting.
"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."
The Post has reached out to Harry’s reps for comment. ESPN has since defended its decision to honor Harry, saying his work on the Invictus Games "is a cause worth celebrating."
The prestige award is handed out to individuals who have made significant contributions in the world, which echo the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger, who enlisted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Tillman, a former safety for the Arizona Cardinals, served in Iraq and then Afghanistan before he was killed by friendly fire in 2004, with the soldier posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service.
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The controversy has reignited discussions about the Sussexes' intentions, with accusations of "collecting trophies" to garner public respect.
Despite the criticism, Prince Harry's past honors, including being named a Living Legend of Aviation, demonstrate a pattern of recognition for his contributions, both in and out of military uniform.
