As if there was not enough internal drama in the British Royal Family right now, Prince Harry is in a battle with the mother of a fallen United States war hero. A damning new report is making it sound worse and worse.
There is conflicting information about how much Pat Tillman’s mom knew about Prince Harry winning the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards before it happened, but the latest tip from Page Six suggests she was not informed about this year’s winner, despite being filled in on the matter in 2023.
Pat Tillman was a college football and NFL standout who retired from football to join the US military in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. He lost his life due to friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004 at age 27.
The award is given to someone who has used their connection to the sports world to positively impact the lives of others. For example, the 2023 award, which Mary Tillman was told about ahead of time, went to the Buffalo Bills training staff who saved Damar Hamlin‘s life after a scary on-field collapse.
Tillman’s mother, who does not have a say in the winner of the annual ESPN award, told the Daily Mail she was “shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual” like Prince Harry to win it.
“There are recipients that are far more fitting,” Tillman said. “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.”
ESPN released the following response in a statement: “While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
The Duke of Sussex was chosen based on his work with the Invictus Games Foundation. Prince Harry, who served in the British Armed Forces for 10 years and spent two tours in Afghanistan, founded the Invictus Games in 2014.
It is an adaptive sports competition for wounded service personnel, both active and veterans. The 2023 event marked the sixth worldwide edition, welcoming 21 nations and 500 athletes to Düsseldorf, Germany.
