Prince Harry ignores awards drama as he pays tribute to his ‘eternal bond’ with Princess Diana
Story by Scarlett O’Toole

Prince Harry paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother Princess Diana as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards.

The Duke of Sussex made an appearance at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles last night to accept the award.

He made an emotional speech as he opened up about the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son.

Harry’s award was named after former footballer Pat Tillman, who gave up a $3.8million contract to enlist in the US Army following the 9/11 tragedy.

The duke of Sussex honored Tillman’s mom Mary Tillman in his acceptance speech and made reference to his own mother.

Harry, who lost his own mom in a car crash when he was just 12 years old, said: “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”

Harry humbly accepted the prestigious Pat Tillman Award, dedicating it to the “thousands” of injured and sick military veterans and service members who have participated in the Invictus Games.

Addressing the crowd, which included his wife Meghan Markle, he said: “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.

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“Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone. This year, we are celebrating 10 years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport. And while so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.”

He continued: “We live in an age marked by polarisation and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.

Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable.”