Prince Harry has been honoured with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards, where he gave an emotional speech and thanked his late mother Princess Diana

Prince Harry paid a touching tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana, during an emotional acceptance speech at the 2024 ESPY Awards. Despite facing severe criticism for accepting the ESPN award in honour of a fallen soldier and NFL player, with some branding it as “exceptionally bad publicity”, Harry remained unfazed.

As he accepted the accolade for his work with the Invictus Games, Meghan Markle beamed proudly from the audience. After being the subject of host Serena Williams’ opening monologue joke, the Duke of Sussex took to the stage to receive his award, named after former footballer Pat Tillman.

Tillman, who forfeited a $3.8million contract to join the US Army following the 9/11 tragedy, tragically lost his life 20 years ago due to friendly fire in Afghanistan. In his speech, Harry expressed his “biggest gratitude to everyone in the Pat Tillman foundation” and acknowledged his mother Mary Tillman, despite her vocal disapproval of the decision to choose the “divisive and controversial” Royal for the award.

Harry said: “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect.”

Prince Harry gave a very emotional speech which referenced his late mother, Princess Diana (Image:(Image: Getty Images))
He also made a poignant reference to Princess Diana, stating: “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”, reports the Express.

Mary had previously expressed her shock at the choice of recipient, saying: “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.”

“These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”

Last year, the Pat Tillman award was bestowed upon members of the Buffalo Bills football team training staff after they successfully revived a player on the brink of death on the field.

Meghan was on hand to proudly support her husband and his achievement (Image:(Image: Getty))
Prince Harry, ever the humble man, expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him with the Invictus Games over the years.

“The truth is I stand here not as Prince Harry Pat Tillman Award recipient but rather as a voice on behalf of the Invictus Game Foundation,” he addressed the crowd.

“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.”

“It is of great importance to me to highlight these allies 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.”