Prince Harry has issued a new statement amid a furious bid to stop him from receiving an award this week.

The Duke of Sussex is set to be given the memorial award set up in the name of Pat Tillman in Hollywood on July 11.

However, there has been a furious reaction to Harry’s nomination for the award including public criticism from Tilman’s mother.

A petition demanding ESPN rethink their decision, claiming the Duke of Sussex had been “involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude” has now reached 70,000 signatures.

The Duke of Sussex was nominated for the award due to his work as the founder of the Invictus Games.

Harry has now released a new statement regarding the next edition of the sporting competition that will be held in Canada in 2025.

The Duke of Sussex said: “Congratulations to those selected for Team UK for our first-ever Winter Invictus Games in Vancouver Whistler next February.

“Team UK will join over 500 competitors from across 20 nations in this groundbreaking event that expands the range and profile of winter adaptive sports.

These games present an incredible opportunity for our courageous service personnel and veterans to demonstrate their skills in new challenges like alpine skiing, snowboarding and skeleton, as well as providing a truly memorable experience for their families.

“We’re excited to see their passion, determination, and resilience on full display as they take on this new chapter.”

It comes as a source close to the royal told The Telegraph Harry had been left stunned by the backlash to his nomination.

The source said: “Harry’s legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that’s his real passion.

KINDLY CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY FOR FREE, GET THE LATEST ON THE GO HERE