Prince Harry receives war hero award
Prince Harry was all smiles as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYS, joined by his wife Meghan Markle at the star-studded event in Los Angeles. The award, named after former NFL player Pat Tillman who later joined the US Army, was presented to Prince Harry by Serena Williams.
Backlash and calls to return the award
Despite his military service in Afghanistan and his work with the Invictus Games, Prince Harry faced criticism and calls to return the award from figures such as former Royal Navy leader Lord West and Pat Tillman's mother, Mary. Some claimed the award was given to boost TV ratings and that there were more deserving recipients within the veteran community.
Invictus Games and future plans
Prince Harry's award comes after celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Invictus Games, a sporting event for wounded veterans that he founded in 2014. The Duke of Sussex also announced plans for a new Invictus Games centre in Abuja, Nigeria, aimed at supporting veterans recovering from physical and mental struggles.
