Prince Harry paid tribute to the "eternal" bond between a mother and son as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday (11.07.24).
The Duke of Sussex was honoured with the accolade - which is "presented to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger - for his work with the Invictus Games, and while the decision to hand him the prize had been criticised by the soldier's mother, Mary Tillman, the 39-year-old royal made sure she was one of the first people he spoke about in his acceptance speech.
Harry - who was just 12 years old when his mother, Princess Diana died in a car crash, said: “I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I’m so honored is here tonight.
"I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother.
"Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect.
“The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses."
Before Harry got on stage at Los Angeles' Dolby Theater, the night's host, Serena Williams, had introduced "three heroes" who had competed in the Invictus Games and the prince urged them to stay with him as he delivered his speech.
He said: "You need to be with me.
Harry dedicated his award win to the "thousands" of sick and wounded military veterans and service personnel who have competed in the games.
He told the audience, which included his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex: "The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.
"This award belongs to them, not to me. That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you.
"Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone.
"This year, we are celebrating 10 years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport. And while so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.
"We live in an age marked by polarisation and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.
"Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable."
Pat's mother Marie previously insisted there were "far more fitting" recipients who could have been given the award named in honour of her son.
She told DailyMail.com: "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.
"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."