Prince Harry addressed Pat Tilman’s mother in his award speech at the ESPYS last night after she had publicly criticised him.

The Duke of Sussex received the memorial award set up in the name of Pat Tillman at a glitzy event in Los Angeles.

Pat Tilman gave up a lucrative career in the NFL to enlist as an Army Ranger in 2002 and served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004.

When it was announced that the royal would be receiving the award, Mary Tilman, Pat’s mother, hit out at the decision and branded Harry “divisive”.

During his acceptance speech, the prince hailed Mary and the Tilman family.

Harry said: “I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother – her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect.

“The truth is I stand here not as Prince Harry Pat Tillman Award recipient but rather as a voice on behalf of the Invictus Game Foundation,” he told the crowd.

“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.

“It is of great importance to me to highlight these allies 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.”

Earlier this month, Mary Tilman criticised the decision to name Prince Harry the winner of the award named after her son.

She said: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.

“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.

“I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”

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