Prince Harry’s latest award appears to be in jeopardy as Americans have taken a stand against him. The Duke of Sussex has suffered a major setback in the United States as a petition to stop him receiving an award has reached 50,000 signatures.
The petition gained momentum after Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary, criticized the decision to give Prince Harry the award named after her late son. Tillman, who left a successful NFL career to enlist as an Army Ranger in 2002, served in Iraq and Afghanistan before being killed by friendly fire in 2004. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery.
Tilman’s mother, Mary, said“I am surprised that they chose such a controversial and divisive person to receive the award. There are far more suitable recipients. There are people working in the veterans community who are doing tremendous things to help them.”
“These people do not have the money, resources, connections or privileges that Prince Harry has. I believe that such people should be recognised.” The petition reads: “To award this honour to someone who does not reflect the intent of the award diminishes its value and is disrespectful to Tillman’s memory.”
The organization said“ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, honors Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of the Invictus Games Foundation, which is celebrating its 10th year of promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world. “While we understand that not everyone will agree with every honoree selected for any award, the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”
The controversy centers on ESPN’s decision, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, to honor Prince Harry. The organization said: “ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, honors Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of the Invictus Games Foundation, which is celebrating its 10th year of promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world.”
Despite his many accolades, Harry appears to have failed to convince many Americans, who argue that he does not deserve this particular honour. The backlash underscores a growing feeling that the Duke of Sussex has not earned the recognition associated with the award named after Tillman, a genuine war hero. The development underscores the complexities and challenges facing Prince Harry in his life and public duties in the United States.