Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
NY Post

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle are likely ‘drowning out the outside noise’ amid ESPYs backlash: They’re ‘very used to criticism’

Nika Shakhnazarova
3 min read
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle 'very used to criticism,' continuing life as normal to 'drown out the outside noise': expert
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle 'very used to criticism,' continuing life as normal to 'drown out the outside noise': expert
Generate Key Takeaways

It’s business as usual for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are no strangers to being under fire — and it seems as though the recent blowback from Harry’s ESPY Award nod proved to be no different.

Harry, 39, was named the recipient of the 2024 ESPYs’ Pat Tillman Award for Service and is set to be honored at Thursday’s star-studded ceremony hosted by Markle’s pal, Serena Williams.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “continuing with their normal and everyday life,” amid backlash over the his ESPYs Award nod, according to a royal expert. AP
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “continuing with their normal and everyday life,” amid backlash over the his ESPYs Award nod, according to a royal expert. AP

However, the announcement didn’t sit right with many, including the late hero’s mom, Mary Tillman, who slammed ESPN and claimed she was never consulted about the decision.

Advertisement
Advertisement

As the backlash continued to plague Harry, former royal butler Grant Harrold says that the duo aren’t experiencing anything they haven’t already.

The Sussexes are “very used to the criticism, given everything that’s gone on over the last few years,” Harrold, who worked for King Charles for seven years, exclusively told The Post.

The Duke of Sussex is set to be honored at Thursday’s ESPYs ceremony with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his military experience and work on the Invictus Games. Getty Images
The Duke of Sussex is set to be honored at Thursday’s ESPYs ceremony with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his military experience and work on the Invictus Games. Getty Images

“I’m sure they’ll be drowning out the outside noise by continuing with their normal and everyday life and trying not to turn on the television, or read the papers as much.”

“They’re being talked about constantly, given their profiles,” he continued.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are “very used to the criticism,” according to former royal butler Grant Harrold. AP
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are “very used to the criticism,” according to former royal butler Grant Harrold. AP

“From what I remember, Harry was always an extremely private person, so I’m not sure how he’ll feel about that, but I can imagine his way of coping with the attention is to carry on as normal,” he added on behalf of Fruity Slots.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Earlier this week, Harrold suggested that the father of two is “feeling quite sad” about the negative response to him being named as the award’s recipient.

What’s more, the former royal staffer said it’s possible Harry could decline the prestigious award.

“He’d never want to cause any upset,” Harrold said. “If he thinks that it is going to cause upset, then it is quite likely that he could decline the award . . . because he’d never want to cause any upset and it would affect him hearing about the backlash.”

Earlier this month, ESPN defended its decision to honor Harry, saying co-founding the Invictus Games and his continued work as a patron of the organization “is a cause worth celebrating.”

The Duke of Sussex is reportedly “quite sad” over the backlash he’s received. REUTERS
The Duke of Sussex is reportedly “quite sad” over the backlash he’s received. REUTERS

The award is handed out to individuals who have made significant contributions in the world, which echo the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who enlisted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Harry, for his part, served in the British armed forces for 10 years, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot and a forward air controller.

Solve the daily Crossword

The Daily Crossword was played 11,212 times last week. Can you solve it faster than others?
CrosswordCrossword
Crossword
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement