Prince Harry gave an impassioned speech at the ESPY Awards ceremony last night, and we have to imagine the timing only made it all feel closer to home. The Duke of Sussex was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service which is in honor of the late football player who joined the United States Army after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and tragically died while fighting in Afghanistan. Prince Harry was given the award because of his work founding the Invictus Games — an Olympics-like competition for wounded veterans.
“I’d like to acknowledge the Tillman family, and especially Mrs. Mary Tillman,” Prince Harry said to Pat’s mother who had previously criticized the decision to honor the British veteran.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she told The Daily Mailearlier this month. “There are recipients that are far more fitting.”
“There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,” she continued. “These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has.”
If Prince Harry heard her criticism, he was not deterred and instead sang her praises. “Her advocacy of Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one I respect. The bond between mother and son is eternal, and transcends even the greatest losses.”
It was such a powerful and emotional message coming from a son who lost his mother to a mother who lost her son. And we have to imagine it’s something that Harry thinks about a lot — especially at this time of year when the anniversary of his mom Princess Diana is approaching.
The late royal tragically died in a car accident in August 1997 at just 36 years old. Princess Diana spent some of that final summer vacationing in France with her sons Prince William and Prince Harry. Even with so many fond memories to look back on, the grief never goes away. But apparently the bond is “eternal.”
How beautiful is that? It’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
No matter what people have to say about the decision to honor Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPYs, we’re sure Princess Diana would have been so proud of him and all the philanthropic work he’s done with the Invictus Games and beyond. The late princess was known for her charitable work and kind spirit. She instilled that same spirit into her boys and is undoubtedly part of the reason Prince Harry was standing on that stage last night.
Before you go, check out these precious photos that prove Princess Diana’s commitment to motherhood over the monarchy.
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