World News Admiral tells Prince Harry not to accept US war hero award named after Pat Tillman Blog

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A former defense minister has urged Prince Harry to refuse an award named after a US war hero killed in Afghanistan, otherwise he would face the wrath of war veterans.

Admiral Lord West made the comments as the Duke of Sussex was to be presented with the Pat Tillman Award for his work on the Invictus Games at an awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The former head of the Royal Navy and Labour peer warned: “He should think very carefully about accepting awards for things like exceptional piloting or exceptional bravery.”

“Part of the blame has to lie with (organizers) ESPN. They were happy to choose him because it would give them tremendous publicity. But this is rather bad publicity for Harry.”

“Harry would be well advised to sit back and not accept such awards. It doesn’t go down well in the military. And if the late man’s mother doesn’t want him to receive this award, he should think about it.”

“My advice is to sit back and not accept any awards at the moment. They are going to him because he is so famous and people want to take advantage of that.”

American football star Tillman turned down a $5.7 million Australian dollar contract to join the U.S. Army after September 11, but was killed by friendly fire in 2004 at the age of 27.

His mother Mary told the Mail last week: “I was shocked why they chose such a controversial and polarising figure. There are far more suitable recipients.”

According to sources, Harry was stunned by the backlash to his nomination.

They told the Daily Telegraph it would be a “bitter pill to swallow” to be criticised for anything related to his military service and his work with veterans.

“Harry’s legacy at Invictus, the things he achieved, that’s his true passion,” the insiders added.

“This is the place where he really feels at home, it is very dear to his heart.

“The reaction has certainly taken the shine off the award.”

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