‘Stunned’ Prince Harry is finding the negative reaction to his ESPY award win a ‘bitter pill to swallow’, say royal sources

The Duke of Sussex is reportedly disappointed at the backlash his nomination has sparked, as a petition to rescind the award gains 68,000 signatures.

Stunned’ Prince Harry is finding the negative reaction to his ESPY award win a ‘bitter pill to swallow’, say royal sources

The Duke of Sussex is reportedly disappointed at the backlash his nomination has sparked, as a petition to rescind the award gains 68,000 signatures

PRINCE HARRY, DUKE OF SUSSEX ATTENDS THE INVICTUS GAMES FOUNDATION 10TH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL EARLIER THIS YEAR

The Duke of Sussex is due to be honoured with the Pat Tillman Award for Service later this week, to recognise his work on the Invictus Games – but not everyone is in support of the the nomination, a fact which the ‘stunned’ Prince Harry is said to be finding a ‘bitter pill to swallow’.

Tillman, an American football star who gave up a £3 million contract to enlist in the US army after 9/11, was tragically killed aged just 27, when he was caught in friendly fire while serving in Afghanistan 20 years ago.

His mother, Mary, says she was not aware Prince Harry would be given the award named after her son – and she can’t understand why he is being presented with the honour, which is to recognise individuals in sports who have made a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,’ she said, according to MailOnline. ‘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.’