Prince Harry pays tribute to his ‘eternal bond’ with Princess Diana as he accepts Pat Tillman Award – after fallen vet’s own mother said he was not deserving – as Meghan Markle watches on after skipping ESPY’s red carpet
DAILY MAIL
Prince Harry paid tribute to his ‘eternal bond’ with Princess Diana as he addressed Pat Tillman’s mother while accepting her son’s namesake award at the ESPY’s – weeks after she condemned him being honoured with the prize.
The royal extended an olive branch to Tillman’s mother Mary and noted his ‘respect’ for her advocacy of her son’s memory, as he also applauded the sacrifice of wounded veterans and praised the Invictus Games in his victory speech.
‘Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,’ he said, referring to the fallen soldier’s mom. ‘The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.’
The royal’s win sparked backlash from some as the award has typically gone to unsung veterans, with Mary Tillman telling the Mail last month she was ‘shocked’ her son’s award would go to ‘such a controversial and divisive figure.’
But Harry brushed off calls for him to turn down the award from from critics including the…