Meghan Markle’s jam left Prince Harry in a sticky situation
(Image: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images)
Prince Harry has found himself in a difficult situation due to recent backlash over his nomination for an ESPN award. The controversy was highlighted by Arwa Mahdawi from The Guardian. Mahdawi began by noting, “While Meghan has had her hands full with homemade jam, her husband seems to have found himself in something of a sticky situation.”
She explained, “The Duke of Sussex is now facing a backlash after being nominated for the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs, a sports-themed awards show hosted by ESPN.”
For those unfamiliar, the Pat Tillman Award is named after an American football player who was killed by friendly fire after turning down multi-million dollar contracts to join the military. Last year, the award went to the NFL team Buffalo Bills for their heroic efforts in saving Damar Hamlin, who suffered a cardiac episode on the field.
This year, however, the award is slated to go to Prince Harry for his work with the Invictus Games, a multi-sport event for wounded, injured, and sick veterans. The nomination has sparked significant backlash, with critics questioning the appropriateness of honoring Harry with an award named after an American war hero.
Critics argue that the decision undermines the sacrifices made by Tillman and others in similar situations. Amid the growing controversy, some royal experts have suggested that Prince Harry should consider declining the award to avoid further public relations issues. Michael Cole, a royal commentator, recently advised, “If he was taking PR advice from me, he would discreetly and politely decline the award.
Or, he would not go in person to collect it. But there is a complication, as the host of the evening is Serena Williams. Of course, we all know that she is a big pal of Meghan Markle’s. Whether he will be able to duck this out is uncertain.”
The criticism highlights a broader sentiment among some Americans who feel that Prince Harry’s actions have disrespected the late Queen and the royal family. This view is compounded by the perception that Harry’s high profile is being leveraged inappropriately by organizations seeking to capitalize on his celebrity status.
As Prince Harry navigates this controversy, his next steps will be closely watched. Whether he chooses to accept or decline the award, the situation underscores the complexities of his public role and the challenges he faces in balancing his commitments and public image.
