Prince Harry ‘Deeply Saddened’ by ESPYs Backlash, May Decline Pat Tillman Award: Expert

Prince Harry reportedly feels “sad” after facing widespread criticism for being named the Pat Tillman Award for Service recipient at the 2024 ESPYs.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, is set to be honoured at Thursday’s ceremony for his military service and work on the Invictus Games.

The announcement has sparked controversy, with Mary Tillman, the late hero’s mother, expressing her disapproval and saying she was not consulted about the decision. This backlash has placed Harry in a difficult position, with former royal butler Grant Harrold suggesting that the Duke is now reconsidering his options.

Prince Harry is reportedly feeling “sad” over the mass backlash he’s received after being named the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs.Getty Images

“Interestingly, Harry’s nod has ruffled feathers,” Harrold told The Post. “From my point of view, it’s a bit confusing.” He added that Harry is likely “feeling quite sad about it,” describing the Duke as “one of the most caring, kindest and most gentle people you could ever meet.”

Harrold speculated that Harry might even consider declining the prestigious award to avoid causing further upset. “If he thinks that it is going to cause upset, then it is quite likely that he could decline the award,” he said. “He’d never want to cause any upset, and it would affect him hearing about the backlash.”

Harrold noted that Harry is likely consulting his team and wife, Meghan Markle, about the best course of action. Despite the criticism, ESPN has defended its decision to honour Harry, emphasizing that his work on the Invictus Games “is a cause worth celebrating.

The Pat Tillman Award for Service recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the world, echoing the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger, Pat Tillman. Tillman, who played for the Arizona Cardinals, served in Iraq and Afghanistan before being killed by friendly fire in 2004. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service.

Harry, who served in the British armed forces for ten years, including two tours in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot and a forward air controller, has a well-documented military background. “Harry has been seen to act in service,” Harrold said. “He’s somebody that has served his country; he is a senior member of the royal family albeit not a working member.”

Army Ranger, who enlisted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, Harry may decline the prestigious award. Chris Jackson/WPA-Pool / MEGA

Harrold added that Harry’s work with the Invictus Games was likely a critical factor in his nomination. “It was felt that he deserved to receive the nomination,” he said, acknowledging Harry’s confusion over the adverse reaction.

Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Harry was “stunned” by the backlash and urged to do the “honourable thing” by turning down the award.