Prince Harry attended the 2024 ESPYs in Los Angeles with his wife, Meghan Markle. At the event, he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service in recognition of his work with the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style competition he founded for wounded service members.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry emphasized that the award was not for him personally but for the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who participate in the Games. “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 the 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality,” he said. “This award belongs to them, not to me.”
Harry highlighted the achievements and courage of the athletes and their families, stating, “It’s 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. Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus most and reduce more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives in this country alone.”
He also discussed the future of the Invictus Games, celebrating its ten-year anniversary. “We’re celebrating ten years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport,” he said. Despite the progress made, he noted that the world outside remains polarized and divided. “We live in an age marked by polarization and division. Conflicts rage around the globe, anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.”
Prince Harry stressed the unity fostered by the Invictus Games. “Our community challenges that,” he added. “Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable. The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together. No matter one’s nationality, background, or personal struggles. It is a collective built from courage and mutual respect, where athletes discover time and time again the common denominator of their humanity.”
ESPN, which airs the ESPYs, honored Harry for using his platform to make the world more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities, demonstrating resilience, positivity, and perseverance. Harry served in the British Army for ten years and hosted the first Invictus Games in London in 2014. Since then, the Games have been held in Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, Dusseldorf, and The Hague.
During his military service, Harry rose to the rank of Apache helicopter commander and was deployed to Afghanistan twice. In 2012, the British Defense Ministry named him the best front-seat pilot, or co-pilot gunner, from his class of more than 20 Apache helicopter pilots.
Before taking the stage, Harry was honored by past Pat Tillman award recipients Sergeant Kirstie Ennis, Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks, and Sergeant Israel Del Toro. He invited them to stay on stage with him as he accepted the award and thanked the Tillman family, particularly Pat Tillman’s mother. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” Harry said. “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
The 2024 ESPYs, which honor the best athletes and sports figures, were hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams, a friend of both Harry and Meghan. The couple was seen applauding after Ciara’s electrifying performance at the start of the show. Williams acknowledged the couple during her opening monologue with a humorous remark, “But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight. Because this is my night. And I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen.”
Williams attended the couple’s wedding in 2018 and co-hosted a baby shower for Meghan in New York City in 2019. Meghan has supported Williams on the court, traveling from London to New York in 2019 to watch Williams play in the U.S. Open final.
Related topics:
