The Duke of Sussex has been honoured at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, joined by wife the Duchess of Sussex where they rubbed shoulders with sports stars, including Serena Williams and basketball star Paige Bueckers.
Former Pat Tillman Award recipients and Invictus Games competitors Kirstie Ennis, Israel Del Toro and Elizabeth Marks introduced Prince Harry to the stage, sharing their personal stories of meeting the former royal, and praising him for “continuing to serve by creating the Invictus Games”.
© Frazer Harrison“I’d like to acknowledge the Tillman family, and especially Mrs Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother, her advocacy of Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one I respect. The bond between mother and son is eternal, and transcends even the greatest losses,” said Prince Harry as he began a four-minute long speech; Mrs Tillman had previously criticised the choice to honor Prince Harry.
“The truth is I do not stand here as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman award recipient, 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 and not to me.”
© Frazer HarrisonPrince Harry, 39, received the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs in the US, awarded by sports channel ESPN to individuals in the sporting world who have made significant contributions to the lives of others. The Duke, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, has been recognised for founding the Invictus Games a decade ago to support injured and sick servicemen and women – both on active duty and veterans – who are navigating physical and invisible injuries.
He continued: “That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, spirit and courage at every opportunity especially on nights like this in front of people like you.
“Moments like these help us reach those who need Invictus the most, and reduce more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives in this country alone.”
© Kevin Mazur“The spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race and time and borders, it is all community and exudes purpose. While so much progress has been made from those first games, the world outside seems to be in a more precarious state,” he said, adding: “Our community challenges that and proves that unity is not just possible but formidable, the beauty of the Invictus Games is how it brings people together.”
He concluded by saying that the Invictus Games is there for everyone, and would “leave no-one behind”.
© Frazer HarrisonPrince Harry and Meghan got a shout-out from hosts Serena Williams during her opening monologue, and the pair could be seen laughing from their front-row seats.
“It’s, well, only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty,” she quipped, referencing her friendship with the pair.
© ESPN“And tonight is no exception, Prince Harry and Meghan are here, let’s give it up for them!” she continued.
But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much because it’s my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusation that you are taken up too much oxygen.”
© ESPNAhead of the ceremony, ESPN vice-president of production Kate Jackson said: “It’s our privilege to recognise three incredible individuals – Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry. These honourees 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.”
ESPN said Harry is being honoured for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport”.
The honour comes after Harry travelled to the UK in May for a special event at St Paul’s Cathedral to mark ten years of the Invictus Games. He served on two frontline tours in Afghanistan and spent a decade in the British armed forces.
The Pat Tillman Award for Service is named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004. The 2024 ESPYs are being hosted by tennis champion, Serena, who is also a close friend of the Duchess of Sussex.
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