Prince Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his work with the Invictus Games at this week's ESPYs on ESPN, but controversy has emerged over Meghan Markle's possible role in securing the nomination.
The award, named after the former NFL player who left his career to join the army and was killed in Afghanistan, has faced backlash from veterans and Pat Tillman’s mother.
Royal commentator Charlotte Griffiths has suggested that Meghan's connections may have played a part in Harry's nomination. Speaking to GB News, Griffiths said, "This is actually very serious. There's a grieving mother involved and she said: 'Look, I don't know if you're filming your Netflix documentary but you can't just make life about promoting yourself because sometimes there's a serious message behind these events that you attend.'"
The controversy deepened with the announcement that Serena Williams, a close friend of Meghan Markle, will present the award. Griffiths speculated, "I have to wonder if Meghan's got her fingerprints on this."
Veterans have also questioned the decision, pointing to Harry's now tenuous links with the military. Earlier this year, he faced similar disapproval when he was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation.
Despite the backlash, Prince Harry will be honoured for his dedication to supporting injured veterans through the Invictus Games.
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