ComScore

Prince Harry Is About to Receive a *Major* Award

The honor comes in response to his work with the Invictus Games

PrinceHarry
John Lamparski/Getty Images

Prince Harry is about to add another accolade to his list of honors. The Duke of Sussex is set to receive the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards.

Named after the NFL star and Army Ranger who gave up his sports career to serve his country after the September 11 attacks, this prestigious accolade honors individuals who embody Tillman's spirit of dedication and sacrifice.

Prince Harry has a decade-long military career under his belt, including two impactful tours in Afghanistan where he served as a forward air controller and Apache helicopter pilot.

Beyond his service, Harry is being celebrated for founding The Invictus Games Foundation. This remarkable organization supports wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Invictus Games have become a global event, showcasing the incredible strength and resilience of both active and veteran service members as they compete in a variety of sports.

Following the news, the foundation shared its gratitude for acknowledging its founder.

“Thank you to the @ESPYS for honouring the founding of the #InvictusGames Foundation by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and our work to support the rehabilitation of the international wounded, injured or sick service community,” read the post.

However, the news wasn’t as exciting to everyone. In a heartfelt statement, Pat’s mother, Mary, voiced that there are many unsung heroes without resources who are also deserving of the award, per Daily Mail.

Prince Harry
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

Despite the response from Tillman's mother, ESPN issued a statement about its choice of recipient, telling Us Weekly, “ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring 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.”

“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 2024 ESPY Awards on ABC Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. ET.

Want all the latest entertainment news sent right to your inbox? Click here.



LongHeadshot

Freelance Editor, News and Entertainment

  • Writes breaking news and entertainment content
  • Covers award show red carpets and movie premieres
  • Has earned two Edward R. Murrow Awards

news
/ Clara Stein
Duchess Sophie Wears Elevated Dress & Blazer Combo (and There’s a Hidden Meaning)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Gabrielle Union Posts Adorable Video of ‘First Driving Lesson’ with Daughter Kaavia
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Meghan Markle’s Soap Nails Deserve a Spot on Your Spring Mood Board
news
/ Greta Heggeness
George Clooney Explains Why He’s ‘Not Doing Romantic Films Anymore’ (And, Um, I Don’t Agree)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
King Charles’s Former Gardener Recalls Hilarious Wedding Mix-Up—Involving Princess Eugenie and Beatrice!
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Millie Bobby Brown Is Nearly Unrecognizable with Her New Hair
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Fergie Shares Rare Childhood Pic & Writes Moving Letter to Her Younger Self After Turning 50
news
/ Rachel Bowie
King Charles Is Out of the Hospital & This Royal Was the First to Visit (It’s Not Who You Would Expect!)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Pamela Anderson Stuns in No-Makeup Look in NYC (And Her Body Language Is *So* Telling)
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Queen Camilla’s Necklace Has a Very Special Meaning (& I Almost Missed It)
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Buckingham Palace Issues Rare Statement on King Charles’ Health
news
/ Clara Stein
Reese Witherspoon Posts 9-Word Anxiety Hack on IG and It's Honestly Genius
news
/ Rachel Bowie
Princess Eugenie’s Unique Engagement Ring Was on Full Display at Recent Outing—Here’s Why It Reminds Us of Princess Diana’s
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Kensington Palace Posts Pensive Photo of Prince William in Deep Thought
news
/ Danielle Long
This New Medical Drama Just Got Renewed for Season 2—Here's Why It’s a Must-Watch for Mystery Lovers
news
/ Greta Heggeness
Royal News Roundup: Prince William’s Mysterious Portrait, New Royal Baby Photos & More
See More