Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing some quite exciting times, not least regarding their children. Soon, they will begin a new chapter in a new school, but the Sussexes have faced significant backlash regarding what schools they are looking at. Sadly, it’s not the only thing they have been criticized for, as Harry is being slammed for accepting an award that many don’t believe he is entitled to even touch.

Although the couple lives in a magnificent mansion in Montecito, California, raising their two children in a town without paparazzi photographers, some things do not seem right. Reports have suggested that Harry and Meghan are facing difficulties with their marriage, and the Duke has even claimed to miss the UK.

As of now, one royal expert claims that Harry is “petrified” of losing his wife – with the Duke possibly returning to the UK alone.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been involved in many controversies since leaving the royal family. Not long ago, the Duke found himself in another one, which has now received massive attention in the US, as Harry is to receive the Pat Tillman Award.

Prince Harry criticized for receiving prestigious Pat Tillman Award

ESPY said Harry was honored for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport” with the Invictus Games he created years ago. The award has previously been given to unsung heroes – but the fact that Prince Harry got it this year doesn’t sit well with everyone.

Pat Tillman was a US soldier killed in Afghanistan, for whom the award has been named. Not long after the Duke was awarded the honor, Tillman’s mother, Mary, criticizes Harry for getting it in the first place.

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award. Some recipients are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,” she told the Daily Mail.

The public has been enraged with Harry receiving the award, and a petition on Change.org urging ESPN to reconsider the decision gathered over 70,000 signatures.

“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.”

A spokesman for ESPY answered, “While we understand not everyone will agree with all honourees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating.”

“The reaction certainly took the shine off the award”

The Telegraph reports that Harry is stunned by the backlash. The newspaper’s source says that the fact that Harry has been criticized for his work with veterans has been a “particularly bitter pill to swallow.” It could even cause him problems in the future as he “seeks to build a career upon the foundations of his past military endeavours.”

“Harry’s legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that’s his real passion. This is the space in which he truly feels at home, it is something he deeply cares about. The reaction certainly took the shine off the award,” the source added.

Harry is set to receive his award on Thursday. In addition to the thousands of people who signed the petition for Harry not to receive the Pat Tillman Award, US commentator Lee Cohen also believes the choice is wrong. In an opinion piece for The Sun, Cohen writes that Harry is insulting veterans since he abandoned his country.

“The idea of rewarding a Royal Prince who abandoned his duty and capitalized on his title for personal gain is an affront to the legacy of Pat Tillman and is even more misplaced than ludicrously naming Harry a “Legend of Aviation,’” Cohen said.

“More discretion must be exhibited in the selection of award recipients, ensuring that they truly represent the values and qualities embodied by the award. To do otherwise is quite frankly offensive and ridiculous.”

While one source says Harry is stunned by the backlash, royal expert Grant Harrold, who worked as a butler to King Charles, told the New York Post that the Duke is not only sad about it but is also considering his options.

“It’s interesting that Harry’s nod has ruffled feathers. From my point of view, it’s a bit confusing,” Harrold said, adding that Harry might consider declining the award.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s marriage

He concluded that Harry is “one of the most caring, kindest and most gentle people you could ever meet,” so he’s “feeling quite sad about it.”