The one thing Prince Harry must do to 'earn respect' after latest move sparks backlash
Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award in recognition of his work with the Invictus Games, but it's been met with a backlash.
A row has broken out over Prince Harry's nomination for an award set up in memory of a US war veteran, but the Duke could "earn respect" with a key move, a royal commentator has claimed.
Harry is set receive the Pat Tillman Award named after former NFL star-turned American war hero in recognition of his work with the Invictus Games - the sporting event he co-founded which provides support to wounded, injured and sick veterans.
But there are growing calls for the organisers of the event, hosted by ESPN, to choose someone else to get the gong, and Palace expert Maureen Callahan says Harry could win people over by rejecting it.
Speaking to GBN America, she said: “We have read about how Harry was protected by his fellow soldiers, that was another part of their job and then in Spare, he bragged about his kill count as if it’s a video game.
“It reveals an immature mind," she claimed. "If he had an iota of intelligence, he would respectfully decline this award. He might actually get a little bit of respect for doing that.”
Callaghan said Harry's nomination for the award was "galling" to Americans, for whom Pat Tillman "is a genuine hero".
Tillman played pro American football before quitting to voluntarily enlist in the military after September 11. He was tragically killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.
“This is a guy who represents what we like to think is the best of America," Callaghan said. "For Harry to not only be offered this award, but accept it unblinkingly is appalling to us.”
Tillman’s mother is among those criticising choosing Harry for the prize, and a Change.org petition urging ESPN to reconsider the decision is currently on just over 73,000 signatures.
The award is given to nominees with “strong connection to sports” who have served for their country.
The network defended the move in a statement and praised the royal for his “incredible” work with the Invictus Games.
DON'T MISS
Harry appears in new ITV documentary as he vows to expose 'illegal activities' [REPORT]
Meghan Markle's 8-second gesture mocking late Queen [INSIGHT]
Harry's 'real name' revealed as Duke jokes he has 'no idea' over confusion [LATEST]
Prince Harry to receive Pat Tillman Award for Service
"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," the network said.
"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."
The Duke previously served in the Army for 10 years, rising to the rank of Captain and undertaking two tours of Afghanistan.
He is currently set to accept the award, which will be presented to him by tennis legend Serena Williams at the star-studded ceremony on Thursday 11.
A representative for Prince Harry has been approached for comment.
