Prince Harry pays tribute to his ‘eternal bond’ with Princess Diana as he accepts Pat Tillman Award

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 Duke of Sussex’s nomination sparked a backlash as the award has typically gone to unsung veterans, with Mary Tillman telling the Mail last month she was ‘shocked’ her son’s honour would go to ‘such a controversial and divisive figure’.

But Harry brushed off calls for him to turn down the prize from critics including the former head of Britain’s Royal Navy Lord West, who warned the royal risked the wrath of military veterans.

There are recipients that are far more fitting,’ Mary said. ‘These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has.’

The Pat Tillman Award is named after the iconic NFL player and late US Army Ranger who gave up his lucrative sporting career to enlist in the army in the wake of 9/11 before his death in Afghanistan in 2004