Prince Harry is facing an uncomfortable situation as a petition to stop the Duke of Sussex from receiving an award has reached 50,000 signatures.
The royal is set to be given the memorial award set up in the name of Pat Tillman in Hollywood this month.
Tilman gave up a lucrative career in the NFL to enlist as an Army Ranger in 2002.
The US war hero served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004.
Prince Harry is facing an uncomfortable situation as a petition to stop the Duke of Sussex from receiving an award has reached 50,000 signatures.
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He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for bravery.
Tilman’s mother Mary has criticised the decision to give the award named after her dead son to Prince Harry.
Mary said: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.
“There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.
The royal is set to be given the memorial award set up in the name of Pat Tillman in Hollywood this month.
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“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.”
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.”
Tilman gave up a lucrative career in the NFL to enlist as an Army Ranger in 2002.
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Tilman’s mother Mary has criticised the decision to give the award named after her dead son to Prince Harry.
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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.
“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.”