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As if the British royal family needed another headache, the recent controversy centered on Prince Harry has proven to be another annoyance for the UK elites.
Harry, Duke of Sussex, is poised to receive the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs on Thursday night -- although there has been significant backlash to the decision to bestow that particular honor upon him. Harry, wounded by the criticism, has opted to accept the award anyway, and he has delivered a new message emphasizing his credentials.
Harry hails Invictus Games participants
The reasoning behind Harry's surprise candidacy for the Pat Tillman Award stems from his involvement in the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event first held in 2014. Harry is the "founding patron" of the Games, which spotlight sick and wounded veterans and active military . The award itself is bestowed upon an individual who best exhibits the late Tillman's legacy, serving others in sports the way the former Arizona Cardinals star once did.
In response to the criticism against him, Harry on Wednesday saluted Team UK ahead of the 2025 Invictus Games, which will take place in Vancouver and add winter sports for the first time.
In a message to the squad of 64 servicemen and women, Harry said "we're excited to see their ion, determination, and resilience on full display as they take on this new chapter" -- pointedly, without referencing the backlash that has come his way in recent days.
Harry, a veteran himself, is determined not to let the outrage get him down ahead of the ESPYs, which will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday night. He hopes that the award brings greater recognition to his 10-year military career and record of service -- even amidst the significant criticism.