▶ Watch Video: Prince Harry and Meghan travel to Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games Prince Harry.
Prince Harry was given the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs on Thursday night, despite criticism from the mother of the slain veteran over the decision to select the royal as the recipient.
The Duke of Sussex kicked off his acceptance speech at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, by expressing his gratitude to the Pat Tillman Foundation and acknowledging Tillman’s family, including Mary Tillman specifically.
“Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” Harry said. “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
Tillman was a former NFL player who gave up his football career to enlist in the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks. He was later killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan.
The award was given to the 39-year-old son of King Charles for his work with the Invictus Games – an annual international sporting event he founded for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans.
