Emotional Prince Harry defies backlash with powerful ESPYs speech

Prince Harry, visibly moved, graciously accepted the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs, despite recent controversy surrounding the honor, including criticism from Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary.

Introduced by veterans and past Tillman Award recipients Marine Sgt. Kirstie Ennis, Army Sgt. Elizabeth Marks, and US Air Force Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr., Prince Harry humbly redirected the spotlight to the veterans and service personnel who have benefited from the Invictus Games, which he co-founded in 2014, according to the New York Post.

“I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but as a representative of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans from over 20 nations who have found healing through our efforts,” said Harry, now 39 and a father of two, who stepped away from royal duties in 2020.

Attending the star-studded event in Los Angeles with his wife Meghan Markle, a close friend of this year’s host, tennis legend Serena Williams, Harry aimed to focus on the positive impact of the Invictus Games despite ongoing criticism.

Acknowledging Mary Tillman’s presence in the audience, Harry spoke of the eternal bond between mother and son, drawing parallels to his own loss of Princess Diana in 1997.

Reflecting on the meaning of “Invictus,” Latin for “undefeated,” Harry highlighted its resonance with veterans from diverse backgrounds who have participated in the Games over the past decade.

“This year marks a decade of transformative impact and healing through sport,” Harry noted, emphasizing the Games’ global reach and the enduring commitment to those who have served.

Closing his speech with a vow inspired by military ethos, Harry pledged, “We will leave no one behind,” echoing the sentiment of unity and support emblematic of both Pat Tillman’s legacy and the Invictus Games mission.

Despite initial hesitations due to the controversy, Harry’s presence at the ESPYs underscored his ongoing dedication to military service and veterans’ welfare, aligning with the award’s criteria honoring individuals whose contributions echo Tillman’s sacrifice and dedication to duty.

Earlier in the evening, the ESPYs featured other notable awards, including the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage presented to former NFL safety Steve Gleason, and The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance bestowed upon University of South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley.

The ceremony, delayed by a presidential press conference, highlighted moments of courage and resilience in sports and beyond, reaffirming the ESPYs’ commitment to honoring impactful individuals in the sporting community and beyond.