The Duke of Sussex has been nominated for a major gong at the ESPY award ceremony in Los Angeles this month for his work with the Invictus Games, however not everyone is thrilled with the announcement.
The ESPY Awards has faced backlash in the US after nominating Prince Harry for the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
It was announced on Thursday that Prince Harry was chosen as an honoree of the 2024 ESPY Awards.
The 39-year-old is reportedly one of three recipients of the Pat Tillman Award for Service, with the award ceremony being held on July 11 and hosted by US tennis legend Serena Williams.
The award, named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, recognises those who have made significant contributions to the world.
News Corp Columnist Angela Mollard joined Sky News host Caroline Di Russo to discuss the criticism over Harry receiving the prestigious award.
US sports TV network ESPN runs the award ceremony, set to be hosted this year by tennis legend Serena Williams, and announced a list of nominations and recipients last week.
“It’s our privilege to recognise three incredible individuals — Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry,” Kate Jackson, VP, Production, ESPN said in a press release.
The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service. Picture: Chris Jackson / Getty Images for Invictus Games Foundation
“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.”
The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, created in honour of NFL player tuned US Army Ranger Pat Tillman who joined the military after the 9/11 attacks.
Tillman was tragically killed in action in Afghanistan in 2004 and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals.
Royal commentator Angela Mollard told Sky News Australia on Sunday she felt it was a bit odd the award was going to Prince Harry, despite his work creating the “amazing” Invictus Games.
The Games is a multi-sport event held for wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women which has been running since 2014.
News Corp Columnist Angela Mollard has weighed in on new portraits of Harry and Meghan depicted as historical figures.
Welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall unveiled a new series of pieces including portraits depicting Prince Harry as Bonnie Prince Charlie and Meghan Markle as Dame Elizabeth Grey.
The portraits will be displayed at a London exhibition called ‘The Reign’ at the Society of Antiquaries in Piccadilly.
Ms Mollard labelled the called the recent painting of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex art as “clickbait”.
“Honestly the pictures of the Royal Family recently are so bad,” she said.
“I’ve decided anyone can do a picture of Harry and Meghan and so I’ve done one,” Ms Mollard said as she held a paper with what she had drawn as Prince Harry.
“The fact is, this award is going to Harry … I am going with the detractors,” she told the Royal Report.
“I don’t know why these organisations – this is about sport, honour and awards – and of course Harry organised the Invictus Games.
“But I have a theory on this because this guy keeps getting awards and you are kind of thinking he is a bit adjacent to the actual topic that the award is being given to.”
Ms Mollard then suggested some awards could be after extra publicity in bestowing an honour on the Duke.
“I think that these … awards want some coverage so they will give it to Harry one year rather than giving it to somebody who is probably a bit more deserving,” she claimed.
“Maybe somebody who in this case is American for a start.
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“To be fair his Invictus Games is amazing but does it determine he should get this award? I don’t think so.”
Mr Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, over the weekend told the Daily Mail she was “shocked” by the decision to give Prince Harry the award.
“There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,” she told the publication.
“These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”