Prince Harry has been warned that his decision to attend the ESPY Awards amid controversy over his nomination could worsen existing tensions, according to a PR expert. The Duke of Sussex received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ceremony in the US, joined by his wife Meghan Markle, for founding the Invictus Games a decade ago to support injured and sick servicemen and women.
During his acceptance speech, Harry paid tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, saying the bond between a mother and son 'transcends even the greatest losses'. He also acknowledged Pat Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman, who had previously expressed disapproval of his selection. Harry stated: '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 award, named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004, has faced significant backlash. A petition urging organisers to reconsider had gathered nearly 77,000 signatures at the time of writing, and Mary Tillman said she was 'shocked' at the nomination, suggesting there were more fitting recipients.
PR specialist Renae Smith, founder of Atticism, told Express.co.uk that while Harry's appearance demonstrated commitment to the cause, it could also 'amplify negative sentiments and criticism', making him appear 'defiant' or 'dismissive of public opinion'. She stressed it was 'crucial' for Harry to address the controversy in his speech, which he did not do beyond mentioning Pat Tillman's mother.
In his speech, Harry said: 'I stand here not as Prince Harry, [but as 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.' He added that the Games 'brings people together, no matter one's nationality, background, or personal struggles'.
