“America see Prince Harry as entitled” a royal commentator has claimed after the duke sparked a petition with 50 thousand signatures.
This comes after the mother of a US war hero killed in Afghanistan criticised the decision to give Prince Harry an award honouring her dead son, Pat Tillman.
A petition demanding ESPN rethink their decision, claiming the Duke of Sussex had been “involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude” has now reached 50,000 signatures.
The petition says “awarding this honour to someone who does not reflect the award’s intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.”
Harry has won the Pat Tillman award for his Invictus Games work
PA
Speaking to GB News, Charles Rae said: “What we don’t know is where the disagreement comes from.
“Is it America? Is it Britain? Is it other places in the world? Because it’s on Change.org. I just I think it just goes to show that there is a lot of dissatisfaction with Prince Harry, particularly in America now.
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“They see him as entitled and not doing very much, which I think is a great shame.
“As I said right at the start he is a hero, a soldier himself. There is no question about that. And he does deserve the award. But I question ESPN’s decision to give it to him.”
ESPN released a statement following the backlash to Prince Harry being selected for the award.
The organisation said: “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.
Charles Rae pointed out that it was a controversial decision
GB News
“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 soldier’s mother, Mary, said: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.
“Some recipients are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.
Prince Harry works “tirelessly” for the militaryDuke of Sussex
“These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”
ESPY said Harry was being honoured for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport” with his Invictus Games.
The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) is run by the sports TV network ESPN and the Pat Tillman Award has previously been given to unsung heroes.
GB News has approached the Duke of Sussex for comment