The backlash against Prince Harry receiving an award for his service is a “bitter pill to swallow” and has left him stunned, according to a source.

On Thursday, the Duke of Sussex will be presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards in the US. 

The gong is awarded by sports channel ESPN to individuals in the sporting world who have made significant contributions to the lives of others. 

The duke is being recognised for founding the Invictus Games a decade ago to support injured 

and sick servicemen and women – both on active duty and veterans – who are navigating physical and invisible injuries.

The Pat Tillman Award for Service is named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004. 

However, news that he is to receive the award saw him face backlash with a petition launched on change.org urging ESPN to rethink giving him the honour while Tillman’s mother Mary also spoke out saying: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”

And now The Telegraph reports that the backlash to this award as well as the Living Legend of Aviation award he received earlier this year “presents a pressing problem” as a ‘stunned’ Harry “seeks to build a career upon the foundations of his past military endeavours”.

A source told the publication that when criticism relates to his work with veterans it is a “particularly bitter pill to swallow”. They added: “Harry’s legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that’s his real passion. This is the space in which he truly feels at home, it is something he deeply cares about. The reaction certainly took the shine off the award.”

Past recipients of the Pat Tillman Award include footballer Marcus Rashford, who waged a high-profile campaign to persuade the Government to provide free meals to vulnerable youngsters in England through the school holidays during the Covid pandemic.

ESPN vice-president of production Kate Jackson said announcing this year’s awards: “It’s our privilege to recognise three incredible individuals – Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry.

“These honourees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalised and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance, and we’re thrilled to celebrate them at the 2024 ESPYs.” ESPN said Harry is being honoured for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport”. It said the Invictus Games has “transcended borders and impacted lives across every continent”.

Harry’s Sussex.com website confirmed the news, announcing: “During this year’s ESPYs, ESPN will recognize exceptional individuals who exemplify courage, perseverance, and service. Among the esteemed recipients is Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who will be honoured with the Pat Tillman Award for Service.”

The 2024 ESPY (Excellence in Sport Performance Yearly) ceremony in Los Angeles will be hosted by tennis champion Serena Williams – a friend of the Duchess of Sussex – on Thursday evening.

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Source: CNN