Mary Tillman testifies about the information surrounding her son’s death in battle. She does not appear to have attended last night’s awards
Harry brushed off calls for him to turn down the prize from critics including the former head of Britain’s Royal Navy Lord West, who warned the royal risked the wrath of military veterans.
The Pat Tillman Award is named after the iconic NFL player and late US Army Ranger who gave up his lucrative sporting career to enlist in the army in the wake of 9/11. He died in Afghanistan in 2004 due to friendly fire.
Prince Harry accepted the prestigious military honour, and he used his time on stage to pay tribute to wounded veterans.
As he accepted the award from three previous winners, Harry – who served two tours in Afghanistan – noted the struggles that military personnel face after they return from duty.
Although some condemned the choice of Prince Harry as a recipient of the award, ESPN defended it and cited his role in setting up the Invictus Games – which he mentioned as he dedicated the award to ‘the entire service community’.
‘Tonight, we celebrate healing through sport,’ he said, ending the speech by addressing veterans around the world, telling them: ‘We will leave no one behind.’
The Duchess of Sussex was embraced as she and her husband Prince Harry arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 32nd ESPY Awards
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they take their seats in the Dolby Theatre
Prince Harry, who raised eyebrows last month when he was announced as the winner, was greeted on stage by three previous recipients of the Pat Tillman Award
Harry dedicated his award to ‘the entire service community’, and pledged to leave ‘no one behind’ as he touched on the sacrifice of wounded veterans
Harry told the crowd: ‘I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family especially Mrs Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother – her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect’
The Duke of Sussex rejected calls not to accept the award and was said to be ‘stunned’ by the reaction
Prince Harry leaves the stage in Los Angeles after accepting the prize
Meghan and Harry were all smiles in the audience
The pair were seen chatting before the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre
Meghan enjoys a laugh with athlete Sadie Engelhardt as Harry speaks to basketball player Cooper Flagg
Serena Williams, who posed with Harry backstage, received an enthusiastic reception as she joked to the audience about her hosting role, saying: ‘You may be asking what I’m doing up here’
The tennis star has grown close to Meghan Markle in recent years, and their friendship was on show at the event
Weatherwoman Indra Petersons, former Pat Tillman Award recipient Jake Wood and Prince Harry
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined other award nominees including Patrick Mahomes and Caitlin Clark at the glitzy ESPN event on Thursday evening, hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams.
He began his acceptance speech by expressing his ‘deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation’ including the ex-NFL player’s widow Marie Tillman Shenton who was among those attending.
He then made his remarks addressing Mary Tillman, before adding: ‘I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.
‘This award belongs to them, not to me.’
He also spoke of the inspiration Invictus Games competitors provided amid what he called ‘an age of polarisation and divison’.
The duke said: ‘While so much progress has been made since those first Invictus Games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.
‘Conflicts rage around the globe – anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.
‘Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible but formidable.
‘The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together no matter one’s nationality, background or personal struggles.
‘It is a collective, built from courage and mutual respect – where athletes discover time and time again the common denominator of their humanity.
‘Having survived the crucible of armed combat and forged through the challenge to rebuild bodies and minds impacted by conflict, they form a family. They exemplify the very best in all of us.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had received a huge cheer when they were announced by Williams, a close friend of Meghan, as she jokingly warned them not to ‘overshadow’ her on ‘my night’.
Williams also received a warm welcome on stage as she admitted the role was a departure from her usual talents, saying: ‘You may be asking what I’m doing up here.’
‘This is my night,’ she quipped while pointing out Harry and Meghan. ‘I don’t want to be overshadowed by you two breathing too much oxygen.’
Williams also paid tribute to the banner year women’s sports has had in 2024, and took aim at the hosts ESPN for a lack of airtime given in years past.
Hours before the event began, a small aircraft flew a mysterious message aimed at Prince Harry overhead, cryptically urging him to ‘investigate Mum’s death.’
The announcement of Harry as the winner of the award last month drew scrutiny on event organizers, with ESPN personality Pat McAfee implying that Harry was picked as a purposefully divisive winner to increase TV ratings.
The award ceremony was hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams, who cut a glamorous figure on the red carpet before she joked with Harry and Meghan
Mary Tillman also claimed that she was not even consulted over the winner.
‘These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized,’ she said.
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