Prince Harry attended the ESPY Awards ceremony on the night of July 11, where he was one of the honorees.
The son of King Charles received the Pat Tillman Award. Upon taking the stage, following a moving tribute from three Invictus Games alumni, Harry expressed gratitude to the Pat Tillman Foundation, co-founded by Pat Tillman’s widow, Marie Tillman Shelton, who was present at the ceremony.
He then paid tribute to Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, who had previously criticized ESPN’s decision to award the Duke of Sussex.
After it was announced that Prince Harry would receive the Pat Tillman Service Award, Mary Tillman told the Daily Mail: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”
“There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,” Mary continued. “These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.”
Prince Harry’s ESPYs Speech
Upon taking the stage, Harry, aware of the controversy, spoke about Tillman’s mother.
“I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I’m so honored is here tonight.
I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother,” Harry said. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect.”
“The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
Elsewhere in the speech, Prince Harry said, “The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.”
“This award belongs to them, not to me,” he continued. “That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you. Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone.”
Referencing the Invictus Games’ milestone anniversary, he said: “This year, we are celebrating 10 years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport. And while so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state. We live in an age marked by polarization and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.”
“Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable,” Harry said.