We previously reported on the backlash that is pouring in over Prince Harry being set to be given the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPYs on Thursday night. Now, former royal butler Grant Harrold is speaking out to claim that Harry may actually decline the award.
Harry Allegedly Is ‘Feeling Quite Sad’
“It’s interesting that Harry’s nod has ruffled feathers,” Harrold told The New York Post. “From my point of view, it’s a bit confusing.”
Harrold went on to say that Harry is undoubtedly “feeling quite sad about it.” He later added that Harry, 39, is “one of the most caring, kindest and most gentle people you could ever meet.”
That’s why Harrold thinks Harry might turn down the Pat Tillman Award.
“He’d never want to cause any upset,” Harrold said of Harry. “If he thinks that it is going to cause upset, then it is quite likely that he could decline the award . . . because he’d never want to cause any upset and it would affect him hearing about the backlash.”
“Only time will tell how he’ll respond but I’m sure it’s something he’ll be consulting his team and wife Meghan [Markle] about,” he continued.
Backlash Over Harry Receiving Pat Tillman Award
This comes after it was announced that Harry will be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his Invictus Games work at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on July 11. Indeed, the backlash over this was swift, with even Tillman’s own mother Mary speaking out against the decision.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she said. “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,” she added. “I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.”
This award is named after Tillman, who was a safety for the Arizona Cardinals. He gave up a multi-million dollar contract to serve in the U.S. military after 9/11. Tillman was later killed by friendly fire in 2004 at the age of 27. After his death, Tillman was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his service.
Harrold Doubles Down
Harrold, however, does not agree with Tillman’s mother’s criticisms of Harry receiving the award. He pointed out that Harry served in the British armed forces for 10 years. This included two tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot and a forward air controller.
Regardless of what you think about Harry, that service should be honored.
“Harry is somebody who has been seen to act in service,” Harrold said. “He’s somebody that has served his country, he is obviously a senior member of the royal family albeit not a working member.”
“Not forgetting all the work he has done as part of the Invictus Games, so obviously it was felt that he deserved to receive the nomination,” he continued. “I can understand why Harry might be confused about the reaction to him being up for the award — this is to do with his military background.”
Harrold concluded by arguing that there’s “never been any issues or questions over that.”
The ESPYs are finally set to air tomorrow night. It will certainly be interesting to see if Harry declines the award before then.
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