Prince Harry was ‘surprised’ by the reaction to an American war hero killed in Afghanistan being nominated for an award, sources have claimed.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, will be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his Invictus Games work at the glamorous ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on July 11.
Tillman, an American football celebrity who gave up a £3 million guarantee to enlist in the United States Army in the coming 9/11 attacks, saw his future tragically cut short at the age of 27 when he was released from prison for two decades. Killed in fire while serving in Afghanistan. last.
His mother Mary, who said she was not consulted about giving Prince Harry an award bearing her son’s name, told the Mail Journal: ‘I wonder why they chose someone so controversial and divisive . To receive rewards.
‘There are receivers who can be far more impressive. There are people working at Veteran Families who are doing tremendous work to help veterans.
‘They don’t need the cash, wealth, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I believe that those natures of people have to be recognized.
Prince Harry (pictured with Meghan) was ‘surprised’ by the backlash he faced for being nominated for an award for an American war hero killed in Afghanistan, sources have claimed.
Tillman (pictured), an American football celebrity who gave up a £3 million guarantee to enlist in the United States Army in the wake of 9/11, had his future tragically cut short at the age of 27 when he Killed in a fire while serving. Afghanistan two decades ago
The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance) are administered annually by the sports TV network ESPN and the Pat Tillman Award has been given to heretofore unsung heroes.
The generation culminated in members of the Buffalo Expanse American football team’s training staff reviving a dead player on a grass field.
ESPN said Harry is being honored for his “tireless work in making a positive impact on the veteran family in the world of sports” with his Invictus Games.
However there has been a backlash to his pledge to praise him.
Estates informed The Telegraph that it can be ‘a sour pill to swallow’ when the Duke of Sussex is criticized for something else in the context of his navy document and paintings with veterans.
‘Harry’s legacy at Invictus, the things he has achieved, are his real passion,’ he said. ‘This is the period during which he really feels at home, this is something he cares about deeply. The reaction definitely took away the shine of the award.
The source said it was similar to when Harry, who completed two tours in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot, was recognized as a flying legend at a star-studded ceremony in Beverly Hills, California in January.
As he joined astronauts Buzz Aldrin, James Lovell and Tim Height in collecting the prestigious award, Admiral Lord West, the former head of the Royal Military, said bluntly: ‘He is not a living legend.’
The original reaction began almost immediately, with ESPN announcing on June 27 that Harry would be given the Pat Tillman Award for Best Player.
Duke of Sussex completes two tours in Afghanistan as Apache helicopter pilot
A petition prompting ESPN to reconsider its solution gained nearly 68,000 signatures in ten days.
It noted: ‘Pat Tillman exemplified accountability, appreciation and sacrifice.’
‘He left his successful NFL job to save his country from the 9/11 attacks, and tragically lost his future during his career. Awarding this accolade to someone who no longer wishes to reiterate the intent of the award diminishes its significance and disrespects Tillman’s memory.’
Former NFL player Pat McAfee also said, ‘We have to promote the game. Global leaders have to promote the game but doing something like this is clearly upsetting the family.
He mentioned that they had to create an untouched section just for Duke. ‘Is it like the ESPYs for a Royal Nation member who doesn’t want to be called a ‘Royal Nation Member’ who loves sporting activities?’
Former Pat Tillman Award winner Jake Plank defended Prince Harry on TMZ Live, saying: ‘He’s a royal prince, he could have achieved 100 different things in the future of his career in the British Armed Forces, but he chose to do so. Have decided. Dedicate a large part of your post-military future to serving veterans.’
The source said it was similar to when Harry was recognized as a flying legend at a star-studded ceremony in Beverly Hills, California in January (pictured)
Pat Tillman was honored to leave his profitable business with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist as a United States Army Ranger.
He served in Iraq and later Afghanistan, where he died in a fire in 2004. He was awarded the Silver Megastar and Red Center for bravery.
An ESPN spokesperson recently said: ‘ESPN, with the assistance of Tillman Understructure, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Understructure as it celebrates its tenth anniversary worldwide. Celebrates the propaganda treatment of the generation. The energy of the game for naval carrier contributors and veterans around the world.
‘We believe that while not everyone will trust all the honorees shortlisted for any award, the Invictus Games infrastructure does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a good reason to celebrate. ‘
Archewell has been contacted for comment.