Prince Harry paid tribute to his eternal bond with Princess Diana while addressing Mary Tillman, the mother of Pat Tillman, as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
This tribute came just weeks after Mary Tillman publicly condemned the decision to honor Harry with the award. In his speech, Harry extended an olive branch to Mary, acknowledging his respect for her advocacy of her son's legacy. He also took the opportunity to applaud the sacrifices of wounded veterans and praise the Invictus Games, a sporting event he founded for injured and sick servicemen and women. "Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect," Harry said, referring to the fallen soldier's mother. "The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses."
Harry's win sparked backlash from many quarters. The Pat Tillman Award has traditionally been given to unsung veterans, and Mary Tillman expressed shock and disappointment at the choice of Harry as this year's recipient. In an interview with the Daily Mail, she said, "There are recipients that are far more fitting. These individuals don't have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has." Critics accused Harry of grossly trampling over Mary Tillman's wishes, arguing that by mentioning the mother-son bond, he was mocking her feelings about his receiving the award.
Despite the controversy, Harry used his speech to highlight the struggles military personnel face after returning from duty. "This award belongs to them, not me," he said. "Tonight we celebrate healing through sport," he concluded, addressing veterans around the world with a promise: "We will leave no one behind."
The ceremony was also notable for Meghan Markle's absence on stage and on the red carpet. According to sources, she was advised not to walk the red carpet, likely to avoid any negative reception. Meghan's absence didn't go unnoticed, with some speculating that she was unhappy about not being in the spotlight.
Prince Harry's dedication to the Invictus Games and veterans' causes has been a significant part of his public persona. However, critics argue that in recent years, the focus has shifted more towards personal promotion. Some pointed out that he skipped an army memorial to attend the premiere of "The Lion King" and accused him of turning the Invictus Games into a platform for self-promotion. The speech at the ESPYs was seen by many as an attempt at damage control amidst the controversy of his award. It was one of the few times that Harry spoke extensively about the Invictus participants in recent years. Critics noted that it took public scorn for him to acknowledge the veterans meaningfully. They also highlighted Meghan Markle's influence on Harry, arguing that her presence has overshadowed his genuine commitment to veteran causes.
The attitude that Harry displays while speaking is astonishing to some. He seems to believe that he alone deserves all of the praise and glory for the Invictus Games. His frustration over the negative feedback he received for accepting this award is palpable in both his expression and tone. It appears that he's completely caught up in the delusion created around their lives. If anyone—whether the royal family, the British public, the American public, or the world at large—ever truly wanted him back, though it seems unlikely, this incident would make it impossible. He's deeply entrenched in a fantasy, believing all the narratives that he's been fed, thinking that the royal family acts against him, and convinced that the press and paparazzi are targeting him. At this point, only an expert deprogrammer, like those hired to help loved ones leave cults, could possibly break through his delusions. His situation is truly unbelievable.
