Prince Harry at the ESPY Awards - In his speech, he responds to the criticism
Despite negative comments prior to the event, Prince Harry (39) and Duchess Meghan (42) seemed to enjoy their time at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday evening (11. July). The British royal, who stepped down from the royal family, was honored with the "Pat Tillman Award" for his work with the Invictus Games. His nomination had been criticized in the media beforehand.
Serena Williams welcomes Harry and Meghan with a joke
Prince Harry, however, was not aware of this at the award ceremony. The good mood for him and his wife was in part due to the hosting of Serena Williams (42), who is good friends with Duchess Meghan. In her opening speech, the tennis legend said according to "People": "It's actually quite common for me to be in a room with real kings and tonight is no exception. Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Applause for the two."
Directly to the couple, she continued: "But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight. Because this is my night and I don't want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you two breathe too much oxygen, okay?" According to "People", Harry and Meghan in the front row laughed heartily over this joke.
The prize that Harry received at the ESPY Awards is named after the American football star Pat Tillman (1976 - 2004). He had joined the US Army after September 11, 2004, and was killed at the age of 27 when he came under fire in Afghanistan.
Prince Harry addresses negative criticism
In his acceptance speech on Thursday evening, Prince Harry addressed Mary Tillman, the mother of the former NFL player, saying: "I'm not here as Prince Harry, who received the Pat Tillman Award, but as the voice of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and soldiers from over 20 nations who made the Invictus Games a reality. This award belongs to them, not me." He thus addressed the negative reporting in advance.
In his speech, he also emphasized his "respect" for her activism in honor of her son. This is "very personal" and he respects this. "The bond between a Mother and her son is eternal and outlasts even the greatest losses."
Criticism in advance
Criticism of Harry's nomination for the British Royal came from the mother of the deceased soldier beforehand: "I'm shocked that they would choose such a controversial and divisive person for the award." She said according to "Daily Mail". "There are people who are much more deserving. These people don't have the money, the resources, the connections, or the privileges that Prince Harry has. I believe that such people should be recognized." An online petition also urged the organizers of the award ceremony to reconsider the granting to Prince Harry.
For Prince Harry, the criticism of his nomination for the "Pat Tillman Award" was a "bitter pill", according to insiders to the "Telegraph". His work with the Invictus Games is "his true passion", it was reported. This is the area where he really feels at home, and it is something that means a lot to him.
- The "Pat Tillman Award" is named after the American football player who tragically lost his life, and Prince Harry was honored with this award at the ESPY Awards due to his dedication to the Invictus Games.
- During her opening speech, Serena Williams joked about Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, poking fun at the criticism they often face, making both of them laugh heartily.
- In his thank you speech, Prince Harry acknowledged the criticism he had faced before the event and dedicated the award to the thousands of veterans and soldiers involved in the Invictus Games, recognizing their hard work and dedication.
- The mother of Pat Tillman, Mary Tillman, expressed her shock and disappointment at Prince Harry's nomination, stating that there were deserving individuals who did not have the same resources and privileges.
- Despite the criticism, Prince Harry's work with the Invictus Games remains his true passion, and he considers it a deeply personal and meaningful commitment, something he feels incredibly attached to.
- Serena Williams welcomed Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan at the ESPY Awards, comparing them to "real kings" and jokingly telling them not to steal the spotlight from her, as they often face negative comments about their fame.
