PRINCE HARRY SLAMMED FOR KEEPING SILENT AFTER BEING OFFERED HUGE HONOUR
Prince Harry has been slammed for not commenting on being put up for a major award in the USA despite objections to his acceptance of the accolade.
The Duke of Sussex is due to accept the Pat Tillman Award for Service, one named after former NFL player Pat Tillman who left the sport to serve in the US military following 9/11.
Following his death in Afghanistan, an award was created in his honour and this year it is due to go to Prince Harry.
However, the decision has been criticised by Pat Tillman's mother who has expressed discontent at the award going to Harry.
Prince Harry's receipt of the award has also been debated by royal expert Rupert Bell. Appearing on Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered, he spoke on Prince Harry's difficult position after being offered the award.
He said: "From a perspective, Harry may be the innocent in this, however, but he hasn't turned it down. This is the problem for Harry, he's damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't. That tends to be the problem at the moment with him.
"[He] has created this problem for himself and that is part of the problem. But it does seem to me that now all he seems to do is be a professional award gatherer in America."
Kinsey Schofield also commented with her views on the matter and what she would have done if she had been in Prince Harry's position.
She said: "I heard that the mother of the person that I was receiving an award in honour of was unhappy about it, as a decent human being I would say I'm going to politely decline because I respect her wishes and I feel like I do live a life of privilege."
The announcement that Prince Harry would receive the award was made on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's website.
In a statement, ESPN's Kate Jackson said: "It's our privilege to recognise three incredible individuals - Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry.
"These honorees 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."
Following the announcement, Pat Tillman's mother Mary has criticised the decision to award Harry the prestigious accolade.
She 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. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans."
Part of the reason why Harry is being given the award is because of the work he has done with the Invictus Games which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.
Furthermore, following the outcry, ESPN has released a statement defending its decision. It said: "ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honouring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world.
"While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."
2024-07-03T19:12:52Z dg43tfdfdgfd