Prince Harry has faced criticism from a former Royal Navy Chief regarding his nomination for the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service, which will be presented at a high-profile awards ceremony in the United States this month.
The announcement of Harry's nomination for the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year's ESPY Awards was made in June, drawing mixed reactions from the public and military figures alike. The event is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on July 11th and will be hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams, who is also a close friend of Meghan Markle.
The Pat Tillman Award is named in honor of the former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger who tragically lost his life in Afghanistan in 2004. It is awarded by ESPN to individuals in the sporting world who have made significant positive impacts on others' lives. Despite the award's prestigious nature, the announcement of Prince Harry's nomination sparked global controversy, leading to the creation of a petition urging the awards organizers to reconsider their decision. Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, expressed surprise at Harry's nomination, stating that there are other recipients who might be more fitting.
Admiral Lord Alan West, who served as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2002 to 2006, has now joined the chorus of criticism against Harry. He issued an eight-word caution regarding the nomination, advising Harry to "think very long and hard about accepting" such awards. He emphasized that it does not resonate well with people in the military and encouraged Harry to decline the Pat Tillman Award, highlighting the potential negative impact on his reputation within military circles.
Lord West further suggested that some of the blame lies with ESPN, as they likely chose Harry for the publicity it would generate. He remarked that this publicity is rather detrimental to Harry, advising the Duke to refrain from accepting awards like this, especially considering Mary Tillman's disapproval. The Labour peer stressed that it does not travel well with military personnel and noted that when the mother of the deceased does not support the award, it should heavily influence Harry's decision.
Contrary to popular belief, Prince Harry did not found the Invictus Games. The event was established by others to provide him with a meaningful project. Prince William donated a significant sum of money at its inception, and Harry was appointed as a patron, not the founder. Despite the controversy, ESPN defended their choice, stating that Harry is being honored for his tireless work in making a positive impact on the veteran community through the power of sport. They highlighted that the Invictus Games have transcended borders and impacted lives across every continent.
Sources told The Telegraph that the Duke was stunned by the backlash. They added that Harry's legacy with the Invictus Games and the achievements he has made in that space are his real passion. This is where he truly feels at home and is something he deeply cares about. However, the reaction to his nomination has certainly taken some of the shine off the award.
