Prince Harry has reportedly been left “stunned” after backlash against his nomination for a controversial award for his work with the Invictus Games, after thousands of people signed a petition against him receiving it.
The Duke of Sussex has been nominated for the ESPY’s Pat Tillman Award for Service, with the royal set to attend a glamorous star-studded award ceremony on Thursday, July 11.
The award was founded in memory of a former American football star Pat Tillman who, gave up his million-dollar NFL contract to serve in the US military.
But he tragically died in a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004. Twenty years later, the Duke of Sussex is set to receive an award in his name – but many people, including the late war hero’s mother Mary, are “shocked” that he has been nominated.
She 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.”
She added: “There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans. These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has.
“I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”
It comes as tmore than 70,000 people have signed a petition on Change.org, started by Patti Mickel, urging ESPN to rethink the nomination.
They campaign founder said: ” Pat Tillman’s story has touched my life deeply. His patriotism, loyalty, and ultimate sacrifice for his military squad are undeniably remarkable.
“As such, the Pat Tillman award should be representative of his values and should honor someone who, like Tillman, has shown unwavering dedication to their squad and country. Ergo, I find ESPN’s decision to award Prince Harry with the Pat Tillman award at the ESPYs disconcerting.”
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It comes as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s latest move has reportedly allowed the rest of the Royal Family to breathe a sigh of relief.
As rumours began to swirl about a potential “tell-all novel” penned by the Duchess of Sussex in the making, it may come as welcome news to the Firm that she is instead focussing on her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.
Australian Women’s Weekly journalist Emma Clifton said the royals will be pleased at Meghan’s “pivot” into the lifestyle realm, but perhaps will still be awaiting a tell-all book with baited breath.
She said: “Considering how much anticipation there was for Meghan’s supposed ‘tell-all-novel’, her pivot into domestic goddess should surely mean there are a few sighs of relief around the palace … For now.”
It comes as Prince Harry’s “whole life plan” is under threat, with one royal expert claiming that the “glamour” is now wearing off after his shock move to Montecito, California, with Meghan Marke, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
But the Duke’s life in America could be at risk as Prince Harry’s US visa application is being reviewed by a judge following his admissions about his use of drugs in his memoir Spare, something which he is said to seriously ‘regret’.
