Prince Harry was left 'stunned' after his nomination sparked fury
Prince Harry was reportedly "stunned" by the backlash following his nomination for the ESPYs' Pat Tillman Award, as discussed by GB News's Digital Royal Editor, Svar Nanan-Sen, on the latest episode of The Royal Record Podcast.
The award honors individuals who embody traits such as selflessness, humility, aiding others without seeking recognition, and setting an example through their actions.
Svar Nanan-Sen stated, "Prince Harry was nominated for the award, and it immediately sparked a huge backlash."
Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, expressed her disapproval: "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."
Prince Harry, 39, served two tours of Afghanistan and launched the Invictus Games in 2014, an organization supporting wounded and sick veterans with their recovery through sports, similar to the Paralympic Games.
Since stepping down as working royals, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have become polarizing figures due to their public criticisms of members of the Royal Family.
Svar Nanan-Sen continued, "ESPN argued that it was his work with the Invictus Games that made him a worthy candidate for this award."
Jake Wood, a previous winner of the award, supported Prince Harry's nomination, saying, "He's a royal prince. There are 100 different things he could have done with his life after service in the British armed forces, but he's chosen to dedicate a big portion of his post-military life to helping veterans."
Nanan-Sen added, "Sources close to Harry said that he was left stunned by the reaction to the backlash over his nomination."
Prince Harry addressed Mary Tillman in his acceptance speech, expressing respect for her and her family and acknowledging her efforts in campaigning for veterans. He emphasized that he accepted the award not as Prince Harry, but as a representative of the Invictus Games Foundation, highlighting the organization's broader impact on the military community.
