There are many people who weren’t happy with the fact that Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11th. And it should come as no surprise to learn that Piers Morgan is one of those people!
This award honors the legacy of the former NFL player who gave up his professional football career to fight for his country following 9/11, and was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2004. It is given to individuals who have made significant contributions in the world, with Prince Harry receiving it for serving in the British military for 10 years, as well as for creating the Invictus Games for wounded or injured servicemen and veteran. However, despite all of these achievements, the 59-year-old British journalist didn’t think the former senior royal was worthy of the honor…
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Piers Morgan Doesn't Think Prince Harry Deserved ESPY Award
The Piers Morgan Uncensored host is very vocal about his disapproval of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and wasted no time in letting his thoughts about the Duke of Sussex's honor be known.
"Pat Tillman is an American hero," Morgan wrote in his column for the New York Post, adding that Prince Harry is a "royal traitor" and a "man who gave up serving his country to serve himself."
He then went on to say that the father-of-two is "a man who so little understood the meaning of the word 'duty' that he swapped his job working for the public as a member of the British royal family for life in California as a greedy, money-grabbing celebrity trading off royal titles he does nothing to earn." He added: "Pat Tillman will be turning in his grave at this dishonoring of his name."
Pat Tillman's Mother Also Doesn't Think Prince Harry Deserves The Honor
The late Pat Tillman's mother is among the many people who disagree with Prince Harry receiving the award, and recently told the Daily Mail: "I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award."
"There are recipients that are far more fitting," she continued, adding: "There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans."
Prince Harry Delivers Moving Speech Despite Controversy
Despite the controversy, Prince Harry delivered a moving speech when he received his award at Thursday night's ceremony.
"I'd like to begin or express my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I am so honored is here tonight," Prince Harry said, in reference to Tillman's widow. "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 bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses," he added.
"The truth is, 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," Prince Harry continued.
Prince Harry added: "That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit and their courage at every opportunity – especially on nights like this, in front of people like you. Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus most and reduce more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives in this country alone."
