Prince Harry, oh God of all the Lo,
of all loaths, why accept an award that the mother
of a person whose honour the award is in does
not want you to receive,
and for good reason. Instead of stepping back gracefully and
acknowledging that perhaps it's not wise,
and perhaps they should, he should sit this one out.
Prince Harry this week accepted the Pat Tillman Award which
was meant for ex military personnel who has shown exceptional
courage
now. Pat was an NFL sensation who quit a multi
$1,000,000 contract to fight for his country.
Sadly his time was cut short when he was killed
by friendly fire in Afghanistan.
He was an American hero,
an idol and the award was set up in his
honour
on Thursday. It was given to Prince Harry for his
work on Invictus despite the fact that he is not
American,
and also against a backlash,
a petition with over 70,000 signatures and calls from veterans
for him to reject it,
and Pat Tillman's mother referring to Harry as controversial and
divisive,
she suggested there were far more to serving people who
went unnoticed because they didn't have Harry's profile.
Now of course, Harry did serve on two frontline tours
in Afghanistan and spent ten years in the British Armed
Forces.
An ESPN who hosted the awards of previously said that
Harry Harry was being honoured for his tireless work in
making a positive impact for veteran community
and also doing that through the power of sport.
The ceremony, presented by Megan's Archetypes Podcasts,
Chancellor, Ian and Williams, was attended by some high profile
stars,
many of whom did not stand when Harry went to
pick up his award,
most notably Venus, Serena's sister and Pat Tillman's wife,
who sat rooted in her seat with what could only
be described as a cold,
glazed stare. Pat Tillman's mother did not attend.
And 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 honoured is to hear tonight.
I'd also like to acknowledge the Tillman family,
especially misses 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.
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.
The absolute gall of him.
He's collecting the award on behalf of other people.
What is wrong with him and his wife?
How can they not see how jarring this must be
for Pat's mother and family?
It beggars belief. They don't want him to pick up
the award.
Even if he believes he's picking it up on behalf
of others.
He should respect that any long shred of credibility that
he had is well and truly gone.
How embarrassing.
Whilst here in the UK
the family, the Royal family has practically the practically pretty
much turned his back on
of going through a tough time to put it mildly.
But a wonderful rainbow on the horizon.
The beautiful Princess of Wales,
Catherine will be presenting the men's final trophy at Wimbledon
tomorrow.
We wish her all the best,
thank God.