Prince Harry, Meghan Markle ‘trying to buy the public’s respect’ with awards after ESPYS nod: expert

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been accused of “collecting trophies” to “buy the public’s respect” by a royal commentator.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, was named the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs for his military experience and work on the Invictus Games.

The announcement raised many eyebrows, including that of the late hero’s mom, Mary Tillman, who criticized ESPN and claimed she was never consulted about the decision.

Royal expert Kinsey Schofield slammed the Sussexes for their obsession with “collecting trophies,” claiming that the public “sees through” ESPN’s decision to honor Harry with the award.

“I see Prince Harry and Meghan Markle accepting more trophies for awards that I don’t understand what they’re for,” she told TalkTV.

“I guess they’re trying to buy the public’s respect, they’re trying to buy good PR through networking and creating these opportunities to collect trophies for their mantle, but I think the public sees through these individuals.”

ESPN has since defended its decision to honor the father of two, who served the British military for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot.

“ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world,” ESPN told The Post in a statement.

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

Schofield also took aim at the “Suits” alum for accepting awards for her now-defunct podcast “Archetypes” — which was axed by Spotify after just 12 episodes.

“How many awards did Meghan accept for her podcast that was canceled and slammed by her own network,” she told the outlet. “This is all a game to them.”

Markle scooped the People’s Choice Award for “The Pop Podcast of 2022.”

The following year, she was also named “a digital media national winner” by the 48th Annual Gracie Awards.

In addition to her podcast gongs and Harry’s ESPYS honor, the Sussexes have accumulated a large number of awards since quitting royal life in 2020.

The duo, who wed in 2018, received the NAACP’s President’s Award in 2022 and a Ripple of Hope Award from the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization.

Markle was also handed the Women of Vision Award last year, for which she and Harry traveled to NYC along with her mother Doria Ragland.

They infamously claimed they got caught up in a “near catastrophic car chase” as they left the gala.

Elsewhere, Harry also received the Living Legends of Aviation award, handed to him by host John Travolta.

The youngest son of King Charles was subsequently inducted into the “Living Legend of Aviation” Hall of Fame.