Prince Harry paid an emotional tribute to the global veteran community on Thursday night as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles.
The prince's attendance at the awards show hosted by tennis pro Serena Williams was highly anticipated, after he received widespread backlash for being named the recipient of the honor which critics—including Pat Tillman's mother Mary Tillman—suggested should have gone to a more deserving candidate.
Harry was given the award for his foundation and leadership of the Invictus Games tournament which provides an international platform for wounded veterans to showcase their mental and physical rehabilitation through sport. The games are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. The prince is also a veteran himself, having served two tours of active duty in Afghanistan during his time in the British Army.
The controversy surrounding his award presentation did not appear to distract the royal as he paid a heartwarming tribute on Thursday night not only to the veteran community, the Invictus Games organization and the ESPYS—but also to Mary Tillman, praising the "eternal" bond that a mother and son share.
Prince Harry's ESPY Pat Tillman Award for Service Acceptance Speech in Full:
"I'd like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I'm so honored is here tonight.
"I'd also like to acknowledge The Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat's mother. Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.
"The truth is, 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 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality. This award belongs to them, not to me.
"That said, it is 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 the most, and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone.
"For those who may not know, 'Invictus' comes from Latin, meaning 'undefeated' or 'unconquerable.'
"Nelson Mandela credited the poem of the same name, written by the poet William Ernest Henley, for giving him the strength to endure nearly 30 years of imprisonment. Like that poem, the spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race, time, and borders. It is born from unity, and exudes purpose.
"This year, we are celebrating 10 years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport and while so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.
"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.
"Our community challenges that. 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.
"Having survived the crucible of armed combat and forged through the challenge to rebuild bodies and minds impacted by conflict, they form a family. They exemplify the very best in all of us.
"There is a military expression that dates back to Roman times. I'll spare you another Latin lesson but the phrase translates roughly to 'leave no one behind'. And they hold particular significance for the US Army's Rangers, and I have no doubt Pat Tillman and his comrades lived by those words.
"So, it is fitting that I end with them and make a promise on behalf of all of us at the Invictus Games Foundation. No matter the road ahead, we are here for you. We will leave no one behind."
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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