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It seems the backlash to Prince Harry winning the ESP award has been significant enough that he may decide not to go accept it in person. The controversy around his selection has escalated over the past week.
While Harry is no stranger to attending high-profile events and walking red carpets, the reaction to this honor has likely given him pause. As his chief royal correspondent Jack Royston noted, Harry will need to "consider any attendance carefully" given the circumstances.
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It started off positively enough, with Harry being selected for the Pat Tillman award for service by ESPN. This award recognizes those who echo Tillman's legacy of service and connection to sport. However, many have questioned this choice given Tillman's own selfless actions compared to Harry's situation.
Tillman turned down a lucrative career in the NFL after 9/11 to enlist in the military. He ultimately made the ultimate sacrifice, being killed in action in Afghanistan. His family founded the Pat Tillman Foundation in his honor to support veterans. So to now see Prince Harry, who stepped away from royal duties but faces no real sacrifices, honored in Tillman's name has understandably offended some.
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Even Tillman's own mother has spoken out, believing Harry is too privileged and controversial a figure for this award. She thinks an unsung hero who has really helped veterans without the same resources and platform that Harry has should receive it instead. Some sixty thousand people have even signed a petition opposing Harry as the recipient.
ESPN's statement in support of their choice fell flat. While inviting Harry's critics to not agree with their selection, they failed to appease concerns. Celebrating Harry's cause alone is not enough to justify honoring him over a more suitable candidate. This level of controversy is not good for any charity to be associated with.
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Faced with these realities, it's possible Harry may feel it's best not to attend the ceremony and simply accept the award in name alone. Showing up could only invite more criticism and distract from the actual purpose of recognizing veterans. It would be wiser for Harry to find another respected veteran within his Invictus community to receive the award on his behalf.
That move would redirect the focus to those the award aims to honor while allowing Harry to avoid the media storm. Bringing Meghan along, as one expert suggested, would only amplify the perception that it's about promoting themselves rather than the cause. The Invictus Games itself risks further backlash the more it becomes associated with Harry and Meghan's public image over the needs of veterans.
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While Harry's commitment to veterans is admirable, the overexposure of his role risks minimizing the real sacrifices of those he aims to support. For the award ceremony, it may serve the mission better if Harry instead champions a deserving recipient silently behind the scenes. His presence could overshadow those who truly embody the meaning of the Pat Tillman Award and its namesake. In the face of significant opposition, the wiser choice may be for Harry not to attend, lest the debate overshadow the reason for honoring veterans.
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