Prince Harry praises military amid Pat Tillman Award controversy

The Duke commends Invictus Games athletes while facing backlash for receiving Pat Tillman Award at this week’s ESPYs.

Prince Harry has praised military personnel and veterans amid calls for him to turn down his ESPY Award. 

The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service this week at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles for his work with the Invictus Games. His selection has sparked backlash, including comments from Pat Tillman's mother, who expressed shock at the choice of such a "controversial" figure.

Despite the controversy, Harry has publicly commended the athletes who will represent Team UK at the upcoming Invictus Games. 

"Congratulations to those selected for Team UK for our first-ever Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler next February," the Duke stated. "Team UK will join over 500 competitors from across 20 nations in this groundbreaking event that expands the range and profile of winter adaptive sports."

Harry highlighted the significance of the games, emphasising the opportunity for service personnel and veterans to showcase their skills in new challenges like alpine skiing, snowboarding, and skeleton. "These games present an incredible opportunity for our courageous service personnel and veterans to demonstrate their skills... as well as providing a truly memorable experience for their families," he added. "We’re excited to see their passion, determination, and resilience on full display as they take on this new chapter."

The Pat Tillman Award for Service is named after the former football player who enlisted in the US Army following 9/11 and was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan 20 years ago. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother, expressed her surprise over Harry's selection, noting she was not consulted. "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," she remarked.