An expert considers Prince Harry's ESPY award to be "bad publicity" for the embattled royal family.

Prince Harry is reportedly "shocked" by the criticism he's receiving as he prepares to accept an award named after a fallen soldier and promising NFL player.

The Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards, which takes place on Thursday in Los Angeles, will be presented to the Duke of Sussex.

Hilary Fordwich, a British royals expert, advised Harry to decline the award graciously in response to the controversy.

Fordwich claimed that his refusal to turn down the Pat Tillman Award, despite facing a backlash with a petition urging ESPN to reconsider its decision, demonstrates how his popularity has declined.

"Admiral Lord Alan West, a former Royal Navy Chief and Labour peer, has criticized the award, stating that it does not align with the military's perception and urging Fordwich to reconsider accepting it."

"Fordwich stated that the entire situation highlights Harry's inexperience and lack of knowledge about the commercial sector, which is the world he has chosen to operate in. ESPN wants to honor Harry not for his accomplishments, as many others have done more, but because it generates significant publicity for them while harming Harry with negative publicity."

But not everyone agrees.

"Rarely do I defend Prince Harry, but in this specific situation, I must, as Christopher Andersen, author of "The King," stated on Planet Chronicle Digital. The Pat Tillman Award was offered to him, and he had no choice but to accept it. Turning it down would have been disrespectful."

Prince Harry, the younger son of King Charles III, who served in the British Army for 10 years, is being recognized for his work with the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded service men and women. The 39-year-old launched the international event in 2014, one year before stepping down from active duty.

Andersen stated that, given Harry's great honor for wounded veterans through the Invictus Games, it was logical to choose him as the Duke of Sussex.

"Harry's military service and Invictus have made him proud, but the backlash has left him stunned. His grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, took away his ceremonial titles and uniforms, and now this. Harry is accustomed to criticism, but this is a genuine heartbreak for him."

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex was contacted by Planet Chronicle Digital for a comment.

The Telegraph previously reported that Harry was "shocked" by the heat he faced, and it was "a difficult pill to swallow."

"Harry's true passion lies in his legacy on Invictus, where he feels most at home and deeply cares about. The award reaction took away from the shine of his achievement."

Mary Tillman, the late hero's mother, claimed she was not consulted about awarding Harry the prestigious honor.

The matriarch expressed shock at the UK's DailyMail over why the controversial and divisive individual was chosen to receive the award.

"There are individuals in the veteran community who are doing tremendous things to help veterans."

Mary pointed out that ESPN should have selected an individual who has remained unnoteworthy and showcased their selfless actions.

Mary informed Planet Chronicle Digital that she had finished speaking on the topic.

Since the Pat Tillman Foundation was established in 2014, it has been selecting recipients without Mary's involvement or consultation.

ESPN analyst Pat McAfee claimed that his network was intentionally irritating viewers by selecting the royal as their pick.

"Prince Harry, who I don't believe is a prince anymore, is going to receive an award," McAfee said on his talk show, as reported by the New York Post. "He said not to call him that? That's why the ESPYs do this crap."

Tillman, a former NFL player, gained hero status when he left his lucrative contract and newlywed wife to join the Army following the 2001 terrorist attacks. His death in Afghanistan at age 27, later revealed to be due to friendly fire, further resonated with people.

After the release of tell-alls, Prince Harry's future remains uncertain, according to a royal expert.

"Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal expert, stated on Planet Chronicle Digital that there has been strong opposition to Harry receiving the Pat Tillman award. The Invictus Games, which he founded a decade ago to aid wounded military personnel, both currently serving and veterans, were cited as the reason for the award."

"Although Harry's decade in the military and two tours of duty in Afghanistan are commendable, he did not demonstrate true service in the way he profited from his royal connections and publicly criticized his family."

"The Sussexes engaged in a form of insurgency against the monarchy, which cast a pall over Queen Elizabeth's final years, according to Fitzwilliams. Nearly 70,000 people have signed a petition condemning him receiving this award, making it highly contentious. His behavior reflects poorly on his character, which many deem unsuitable."

It's clear why ESPN selected Harry for recognition this year, as stated by Andersen.

"ESPN likely believed that giving the Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry would elevate the award to some extent, Andersen said. However, people are not recognizing the bigger picture: the award's exposure has increased significantly due to Harry's involvement, potentially reaching millions more viewers."

"Harry's induction into the 'Living Legends of Aviation' Hall of Fame in January caused an uproar, but his advocacy for severely wounded service people has earned him recognition."

ESPN, in collaboration with the Tillman Foundation, is commemorating Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, for his contributions to The Invictus Games Foundation, which promotes healing through sports for military personnel and veterans worldwide.

"Although not everyone may concur with the honorees chosen for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation performs exceptional work and ESPN considers this a commendable cause to highlight."

In 2018, Jake Wood, a U.S. Marine, stated to TMZ that Harry was a "perfect fit" for the award due to his military background and work with veterans.

In 2017, Air Force Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr. stated that Harry deserved the award.

Ian Pelham Turner, a royal expert, pointed out that Harry has faced undue criticism despite his past actions.

"According to Pelham Turner, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital, Harry should receive the award due to his proven track record as a soldier in Afghanistan and his relentless efforts to support and value veterans."

"If Mary Tillman is not fully aware of her great public service to veterans, she should be made aware and apologize for the stress she has created, he claimed. The problem really stems from the negative whispers constantly defaming his virtues and values, he said. He hopes that Harry continues with his great veteran service and eventually has real awards of medals on his chest, similar to King Charles."

"The Invictus Games' reputation is being harmed by the latest controversy, as some UK veterans have called for Harry to step down, claiming the Games have become too royal. However, Invictus is Harry's project, and he will not let it go."

Since quitting royal duties in 2020 and relocating to California with his wife, the Duke of Sussex has had a strained relationship with the royal family. The couple claims that the unbearable invasions and racist attitudes of the British media were the reasons behind their move.

This report was contributed to by both Caroline Thayer of Planet Chronicle Digital and The Associated Press.