Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is facing significant backlash and mounting pressure to decline a new honor that has stirred controversy in the United States. As Harry prepares to receive an accolade at the ESPY (Excellence in Sport Performance Yearly) Awards in Los Angeles, critics are urging him to reconsider.
The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, honoring his founding of the Invictus Games ten years ago. However, this recognition has provoked strong reactions, with some Americans believing he does not deserve the award.
The mother of a US war hero killed in Afghanistan has condemned the decision, while Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman's mother, expressed her shock at the news. She described Harry as a "controversial and divisive individual" and argued that there are more deserving recipients.
Admiral Lord Alan West, a former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, has also criticized the nomination. He cautioned Harry to think carefully about accepting such an award, noting that it does not resonate well with many in the military community.
Lord West suggested that ESPN's decision to honor Harry might be driven by the desire for publicity, though he warned that this could lead to negative attention for the Duke. He advised Harry to "sit back and not accept awards like this," emphasizing the potential for a hostile reception.
The backlash has also sparked a petition urging officials to reconsider the decision, highlighting the widespread discontent over the Duke’s nomination. This controversy underscores the ongoing debate about Harry's role and actions since stepping back from his royal duties and moving to the US.
