The booing occurred as Harry took the stage to accept the award, which is named after the late Pat Tillman—a former NFL player who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Army. The award is meant to honor individuals who embody Tillman's legacy of selflessness, sacrifice, and commitment to duty. However, many felt that Harry, who left the British Army in 2015 and has not served in a military capacity since, was an inappropriate recipient. The video shows an audience member shouting “get off the stage,” followed by a chorus of boos, signaling the discontent that many felt regarding his participation in the event.
While the authenticity of the video cannot be confirmed with 100% certainty, it has sparked significant discussion, especially among those who see Harry’s actions as a betrayal of the very values associated with the military. For many, Harry’s appearance at the awards felt out of place, particularly given his controversial remarks and actions in recent years. His behavior has led to criticism, and many have questioned his attempts to align himself with military heroes like Pat Tillman.
In his speech, Harry mentioned understanding the feelings of Tillman’s mother, who had publicly voiced her opposition to him receiving the award. This comment was widely seen as tone-deaf and self-serving, as it seemed Harry was attempting to pull Tillman’s grieving mother into his narrative. This added another layer of controversy to an already fraught situation.
Despite the backlash, Harry’s PR team worked tirelessly to protect his image, editing out negative reactions and attempting to shield him from public criticism. However, to many, Harry’s participation in the ceremony felt inauthentic. Critics argued that Harry didn’t deserve the award and was using it to boost his ego and public image, much like he has done with other accolades in the past.
The tension between Harry and the audience was palpable. In the video, Harry can be seen visibly annoyed after the booing, with his lips pursed and body language signaling discomfort. It serves as a stark reminder that, despite his royal pedigree, Harry is no longer the beloved figure he once was. The image of a prince who represented duty and service has been replaced by one of entitlement and self-interest.
Critics also pointed to Harry’s interactions with other veterans at the ceremony, who were awkwardly positioned behind him, almost as if to shield him from further backlash. This, along with the timing of the booing, further fueled the perception that Harry was attempting to craft a false narrative of heroism and solidarity.
Ultimately, Harry’s missteps at the Pat Tillman Awards were compounded by a broader criticism of his lack of genuine accomplishments. Many see his continued attempts to insert himself into conversations about real heroes—such as military veterans and public figures like Pat Tillman—as hollow and opportunistic. While his PR team will likely continue to attempt damage control, it seems unlikely that these efforts will repair the growing divide between Harry and the public.
