Prince Harry Speech At The 2024 ESPYs Amid Award Controversy

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for his work on the Invictus Games despite objections from Tillman’s mother.

At the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday night, Prince Harry and his spouse Meghan Markle couldn’t help but smile when the Duke of Sussex won the esteemed Pat Tillman Award for Service. Harry, 39, and Markle, 42, attended ESPN’s 32nd annual presentation, which recognizes individual and team sporting achievements, in the front row at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater. Harry, who spent ten years serving in the British army, received recognition during the ceremony for his work founding the Invictus Games, a worldwide athletic competition for injured service members.

Prince Harry’s Speech

Harry had to deal with criticism before the ESPYs after being chosen to receive the Tillman Award, which honors the deceased soldier and future NFL player. When the prince entered the stage to accept the award, though, he was greeted with clapping, cheers, and a standing ovation. “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,” Harry started speaking as Shenton, Tillman’s widow, came into focus on screen.

Prince Harry speech honors Pat Tillman’s mother

He went on, “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.”

“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,” Harry said.

“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.”

Meaning behind the name of his foundation, Prince Harry explains

Harry continued by explaining that the name of his foundation comes from the Latin phrase meaning “undefeated or unconquerable.” He informed the assembly that the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley was cited by the late South African President Nelson Mandela as “giving him the strength to endure nearly 30 years of imprisonment.”

“Like the poem, the spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race, time and borders,” he said. “It is born from unity and exudes purpose.”

The camera switched to Markle, who grinned and clapped, as the royal announced that the Invictus Games had just celebrated its tenth anniversary.

“While so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state,” Harry said. “We live in an age marked by polarization and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seems to pervade societies everywhere. Our community challenge is that.”

He went on, “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 and personal struggles.” Service members who are a part of Invictus, according to Harry, represent the “very best in all of us.” Then he quoted a military adage from the Roman era in Latin that means “leave no one behind.”

Prince Harry honors Late Tillman

According to the Duke of Sussex, the word has particular meaning for US Army Rangers. At the time of his death, Tillman was an Army Ranger who had left behind a potential NFL contract and a young spouse to join the Army following the terrorist events of September 11, 2001. In 2004, Tillman, at 27 years old, was murdered in the Afghan mountains by what was later determined to be friendly fire.

“I have no doubt that Tillman and his comrades lived for those words,” Harry said. “So it is fitting I end with them.” He concluded, “I make a promise on behalf of all of us at the Invictus Games Foundation: no matter the road ahead, we are here for you. We will leave no one behind. Thank you.”

It was noteworthy that Harry thanked Tillman’s mother because Mary had previously opposed Harry’s choice for the prize when it was first revealed last month.

Mary alleged that she was never contacted when Harry was chosen to receive the honor. “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” the matriarch said according to reports. “There are recipients that are far more fitting,” she said. “There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”

Mary pointed out that ESPN ought to have picked a person who has never been in the spotlight and honored their selfless actions. “I have said all that I will say on this matter,” Mary said.

Since the award’s establishment in 2014, the Pat Tillman Foundation—with which Mary is not affiliated—has been responsible for choosing the awardees. Mary has never before been informed or consulted by the receivers.

Humorous comment from the host, Serena Williams

Serena Williams, a tennis legend and Markle friend, hosted the 2024 ESPYs. Williams made a lighthearted comment to the royal couple at the start of the evening, saying, “Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight.”

“Because this is my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen, OK?” The camera switched to Harry and Markle giggling as she continued.