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Since splitting from the monarchy in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have launched new careers in the entertainment and philanthropic spaces in the U.S., and their efforts have been acknowledged.

From their home in Montecito, California, the royal couple have created production companies for documentaries and podcasts, published books, voiced campaigns and donated thousands of dollars through their Archewell charitable foundation.

With their post-monarchy work, Harry and Meghan have won both praise and criticism, with a side helping of controversy too. Despite this, several high-profile organizations have sought to publicly recognize their work in both entertainment and philanthropy.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Germany on September 15, 2023. The duke and duchess have been presented with a number of awards since splitting from the monarchy. CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY IMAGES FOR THE INVICTUS GAMES FOUNDATION
The couple have accepted a number of prestigious awards over the past four years, providing them with an important and validating range of accolades to support their future roles and projects.

Here, Newsweek looks at the high-profile awards that Harry and Meghan have accepted since their split from the monarchy, from human rights recognitions to podcast prizes.

Harry, a former Apache helicopter co-pilot in the British Army who served two tours in Afghanistan, has been honored for his work with the Invictus Games, of which he is patron. The games serve as an international platform to showcase the mental and physical rehabilitation of wounded, sick and injured veterans through sport.

Though objections to the prince being given the award have been raised online and by Tillman’s mother, ESPN backed the decision, saying 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.”

Living Legends of Aviation

In January 2024, Harry was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation group, at a star-studded California awards ceremony.

The awards honor figures who have made “significant contributions to aviation and aerospace” during the course of their careers. Harry was recognized for his service in the British Army Air Corps as a helicopter co-pilot.

Women of Vision

Meghan was honored for her “global advocacy to empower and advocate on behalf of women and girls” at the 2023 Women of Vision Awards in New York City.

The duchess, whose work to better the causes of women’s rights and social justice predated her marriage into the royal family, was presented with the honor at a red-carpet awards ceremony by her friend, the journalist and feminist icon Gloria Steinem.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Women of Vision awards in New York City in May 2023. The duchess was presented with her award by Gloria Steinem. KEVIN MAZUR/GETTY IMAGES MS. FOUNDATION FOR WOMEN

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award

Harry and Meghan were named recipients of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Award in December 2022 for the work the couple have undertaken in promoting racial equality, social justice and mental health.

The couple attended the awards ceremony in New York alongside Kennedy’s daughter, Kerry Kennedy, who praised their “willingness to speak up” and “moral courage.”

At the time, the couple announced that their foundation would partner with the organization to launch their own award, the Archewell Foundation Award for Gender Equity in Student Film, which “recognizes exemplary student filmmakers whose videos profile women human rights defenders.”

NAACP Image Awards—President’s Award

Another award that Harry and Meghan were honored with, which had a focus on their work in promoting racial equality and social justice, was the President’s Award at the 2022 NAACP Image Awards.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson praised the couple for having “joined the struggle for equity both in the U.S. and around the world” since leaving the royal family.

The award win was coupled with the announcement that the royals’ foundation would launch a new award in partnership with the NAACP, the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the NAACP Image Awards in California in February 2022. The couple received the President’s Award on the evening. EARL GIBSON III/NAACP

People’s Choice Award—Pop Podcast 2022

In 2022, Meghan received a professional podcasting boost when her first solo show Archetypes won a People’s Choice Award in the “Pop Podcast” category.

Meghan didn’t attend the awards show in person, but subsequently released a statement paying tribute to the hard work of the team that helped make the show such a success.

“Thank you to all the supporters and fans of Archetypes who voted for us for this special People’s Choice Award. I loved digging my hands into the process, sitting up late at night in bed, working on the writing and creative. And I loved digging deep into meaningful conversation with my diverse and inspiring guests, laughing and learning with them, and with each of you listening,” she said.

“It has been such a labor of love with an amazing team who were each instrumental in helping to bring this series to life. Above all, huge thanks to each of you who voted. Your support means the world.”

Gracie Award—Top Entertainment Podcast Host

Another award came for Meghan in 2022, in the form of recognition for her podcast hosting skills.

The duchess was named “top entertainment podcast host” for Archetypes at the Gracie Awards, founded by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation.

In a statement, Meghan thanked the organization for the “prestigious honor” and paid tribute to her team and the show’s “inspiring guests.”

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

Prince William’s advice to Prince Harry about where he should get married made the duke snort, the royal’s biography revealed.

Harry asked his older brother for help deciding where to hold his wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018, but appeared unimpressed by the reply.

The Duke of Sussex was already engaged at the time and had been on a public tour of Britain with his wife-to-be, who was undertaking her very first royal jobs.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are seen alongside Prince William in a composite image taken from the Sussexes’ wedding day, at St George’s Chapel, in Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018. BEN STANSALL/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES/CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY IMAGES
Harry suggested Westminster Abbey, where William and Princess Kate got married in 2011, and St Paul’s Cathedral, where King Charles III married Princess Diana in 1981.

“On our return from that trip I rang Willy,” Harry wrote, “sounded him out, asked his thoughts about where we might get married. I told him we were thinking of Westminster Abbey.”

“No good. We did it there,” William replied. “Right, right,” Harry said. “St. Paul’s?” William said: “Too grand. Plus Pa and Mummy did it there.”

“He suggested Tetbury,” Harry wrote. “I snorted. ‘Tetbury? The chapel near Highgrove? Seriously, Willy? How many does that place seat?’”

“Isn’t that what you said you wanted—a small, quiet wedding?” William replied. Harry wrote: “In fact we wanted to elope. Barefoot in Botswana, with maybe a friend officiating, that was our dream. But we were expected to share this moment with other people. It wasn’t up to us.”

Harry described how he had wanted a quick marriage to avoid giving the press and paparazzi time to “do their worst,” but found the palace had struggled to pick a date.

Needless to say, the couple got engaged on November 2017 and were married six months later at St George’s Chapel, in Windsor Castle, on May 19, 2018.

That was two months after the prince’s initial suggestion: “How about March? Alas, March was all booked. How about June? Sorry. Garter Day.

“At last they came to us with a date: May 2018. And they accepted our request for the location: St. George’s Chapel.”

It’s not entirely clear why Prince William felt Harry and Meghan could not return to one of the venues picked for previous royal weddings as Princess Eugenie married her husband Jack Brooksbank at St George’s Chapel five months later in October 2018.

Jack Royston is chief royal correspondent for Newsweek, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jack_royston and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

Prince Harry’s nanny formed a striking first impression of the young royal when he was born, according to a former royal courtier.

In an interview with former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown in 2023, Lady Anne Glenconner, who served as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret for over three decades, revealed that a royal nanny told her she believed Harry was “born angry.”

Glenconner was close friends with Barbara Barnes, who had worked looking after her own children for 12 years before she left to join the royal household of the then-Prince and Princess of Wales (Prince Charles and Princess Diana).

Prince Harry photographed in London, May 8, 2024. And (inset) as a baby with nanny, Barbara Barnes, in Scotland, March 25, 1985. Harry was “born angry” according to a courtier. KARWAI TANG/WIREIMAGE/DAVID LEVENSON/GETTY IMAGES
In recently published video footage from an interview with Brown promoting a second edition of her memoirs, Whatever Next? Lessons from an Unexpected Life, Glenconner was asked about Barnes’ impression of Harry considering she worked for Charles and Diana from William’s birth in 1982 to 1987, when he and Harry were three and one years old respectively.

“Barbara adored Prince William,” she told the magazine editor. “Harry, I think, was a bit more difficult when he was small.”

Glenconner remains close with members of the royal family and in 2023 she was a guest at the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in London.

In the same year, Glenconner told Newsweek that she had not read Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare, stating that though he was a second-born royal much like her friend Princess Margaret, the princess wouldn’t have published a book like his.

“I haven’t read Prince Harry’s book and I’m not going to read it. I think it would upset me; it’s all too sad,” she said. “Princess Margaret would never have written a book like that. She was loyal.”

Barbara Barnes maintained a low profile during her years as a royal nanny and thereafter.

An insight into her working life with William, Harry, Charles and Diana was provided by royal biographer Robert Lacey in his 2020 book Battle of Brothers.

“I treat all my children as individuals,” he quotes her as having told the press in a rare on the record comment. “I’m here to help the princess, not take over.”

Royal nanny Barbara Barnes photographed with Prince William (L) in New Zealand, April 17, 1983. And Lady Anne Glenconner (R) photographed in London, June 4, 2013. Barnes worked for Glenconner before joining the royal household… More ANWAR HUSSEIN/GETTY IMAGES/MAX MUMBY/INDIGO/GETTY IMAGES
Lacey credits Barnes with having “picked up and strengthened the family ethos of brotherliness,” between William and Harry but also noted that her closeness to her two charges could have contributed to a breakdown in her relationship with Princess Diana.

Barnes left royal service in January 1986 and afterward maintained her relationship with Glenconner, rejoining her family for a brief period to assist in the recovery of her teenage son, Christopher, who had entered a coma after a motorcycle accident while traveling abroad.

James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek‘s royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X, formerly Twitter, at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek‘s The Royals Facebook page.

Do you have a question about King Charles III and Queen Camilla, William and Princess Kate, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, or their family that you would like our experienced royal correspondents to answer? Email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

ITV shake-up riles viewers as Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women taken off-air

Good Morning Britain was extended until 9.25am on ITV on Friday, followed by an almost six-hour General Election 2024 special, The Results

Loose Women and Lorraine have been pulled off-air for the General Election (
Image: ITV)

ITV viewers are fuming over the General Election.

Friday’s episode of Good Morning Britain was extended past 9am as results poured in for Labour’s landslide win over the Tories. But eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice the programme cut into the time Lorraine would normally be on-air.

Bosses have pulled today’s episodes of Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women due to the election, airing an almost six-hour political results show instead. Daytime telly watchers have been left riled up by the decision, with some taking to X with complaints.

This Morning isn’t airing today due to the election results ( 
Image:
ITV)
“It’s going to be a loooong day of TV today no Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women,” commented one user. While someone else complained about the lengthy results show in the trio’s place. “That’s all coming up over the next six hours’ SIX HOURS?! BLIMEY!!!”

“I see there is NO This Morning on Friday because of the election results BUT why can’t ITV air Lorraine, this morning and loose women on ITV2 or ITV3 instead,” another fumed. A fourth fan moaned, “I don’t think I can take anymore. It’s just the same thing over and over.”

The hilarious Where is Lorraine? meme page even got in on the action, posting this morning: “A reminder that there is no #Lorraine (or Ranvir or Christine for that matter) today as ITV are airing the #ToriesAreOut party instead.” One fan of the page replied: “So todays episode is being hosted by Keir Starmer.” Another joked: “The long-suffering Ranvir has the day off!” Before someone noticed: “She got the day off from Lorraine…

“…but she will never get a day off from #ITV.” Ranvir was brought in for Friday’s episode of Good Morning Britain, stationed in the rain outside the Conservative Party HQ in London waiting for Rishi Sunak to return after his defeat to Labour’s Keir Starmer.”

Ranvir was brought in to present Good Morning Britain ( 
Image:
ITV)

Appearing on camera very briefly, Ranvir caught the moment Sunak returned to his office after it was announced that he would be taking over as Prime Minister. She asked the outgoing PM if he “blames himself” for the loss live on TV. Ranvir didn’t seem to get a response, so appeared to issue a scathing dig at Sunak’s expense after being blanked by the politician. Speaking to hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid on camera, the Lorraine stand-in star said: “Look at the weather, its miserable.” She continued: “But by the way Rishi Sunak, I’ve checked the weather in California. Its sunny, its 30 degrees, wink wink.”

The joke left viewers laughing, with fans taking to X, formally Twitter, with comments and laughing face emojis after the quick quip. “Cackling at ar Ranvir SCREAMING at Rishi Sunak whether he blames himself or not for the result,” one commented. (sic) While someone else said: “No #lorraine or the show either today, but at least Ranvir still got a link to GMB.”

Meghan Markle lives in California with her husband and two children

The Duchess of Sussex is gearing up for a summer of ‘relaxing and having fun’, according to a royal source

Meghan Markle is looking for a “remote island” with Prince Harry, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, royal sources have claimed.

The Duke and Duchess relocated to the US four years ago where they are raising their two children, aged five and three respectively.

According to an insider, Meghan, 42, is seeking sanctuary on a “remote island” with her family following Independence Day, which is celebrated on July 4 in the US.

They said: “As usual she and Harry celebrated with the kids but she wants to use the next couple of months relaxing and having fun after a stressful year so far.

Meghan looking for a ‘remote island’ with Harry, Archie and Lilibet, a source has claimed

Getty / Netflix

“Meghan wants to get away with Harry and the kids to a remote island so they can just have fun as a family without any outside pressure and be in complete luxury.

“Archie and Lilibet are at that age now where they can do more adventurous stuff and Meghan has even talked about a trip to Disneyland as she knows they will be well looked after there and how much the children would love it.

“Lili is very into Disney princesses right now and would be in her element.”

According to the insider, the Duchess of Sussex also wants to have some solo trips with her close female friends.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have not visited the UK since Archie was bornNetflix

They continued to tell OK!: “As much as family time is the priority, Meghan also wants to spend more time with her friends and do some girly trips away and have a pampering weekend.

“She’d also like her and her friends to also go on a trip somewhere with the kids, maybe a bit of glamping in one of the National Parks.”

Earlier this year, Meghan announced a new venture with her lifestyle brand, titled American Riviera Orchard.

The official launch is expected in the next few months, with products like jam and dog biscuits likely being available to purchase on the brand’s official website.

Meghan Markle launched American Riviera Orchard earlier this year

Getty

Meghan Markle will celebrate her birthday in August

GettyThe source added: “She knows she’s got a busy autumn coming up with lots of new work commitments so she just wants to concentrate on family and friends this summer as she won’t have as much time for it in the run-up to the end of the year.

“Plus it’s her birthday in August but she’s letting Harry arrange that and surprise her with something as he has always done.”

The Duchess of Sussex will celebrate her 43rd birthday on August 4.

Rishi Sunak brutally mocked by Channel 4 News star after grovelling resignation

Channel 4 News broadcaster Cathy Newman appears to have made a dig at former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he issued his resignation outside 10 Downing Street

Rishi Suank was left soaked when he called a General Election on May 22 (
Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

A Channel 4 News broadcaster has poked fun at Rishi Sunak.

It comes as the now ex-Prime Minister stood outside 10 Downing Street where he issued his resignation as both the PM and the leader of the Conservative Party. Sunak and his MPs were laughed out of power going into the early hours of Friday morning when Labour secured a landslide victory.

Sunak and his party were left as the Opposition after Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party secured a whopping 412-seat majority. Elsewhere, the Tories were left redfaced after losing 250 seats, managing to win just 121. Sir Ed Davey and the Liberal Democrats secured their best vote in history, gaining 63 seats, taking their total to 71.

As Sunak and his wife stood outside their former home at 10 Downing Street, Akshata Murty stood behind him, clutching an umbrella. It comes after he was left humiliated when he was stood in the same position just weeks earlier when he called a General Election. While delivering the news to the nation, Sunak was left drenched due to a major downfall of rain, with many laughing at him during the speech.

Channel 4’s Cathy Newman poked fun at Rishi Sunak ( 
Image:
Channel 4)

Suank’s wife stood behind him with an umbrella ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

Having noticed Murty holding an umbrella, Cathy Newman has taken to X, formerly known as Twitter to mark the occasion. Sharing a snap of Murty, she penned: “Taking no chances with the weather…” Meanwhile, GB News’ Christopher Hope said: “Rishi Sunak has learned his lesson! If the heavens open again as he speaks outside 10 Downing St, a man is ready with an umbrella.”

Another social media user penned: “Akshata Murty (serious face) standing behind her husband @RishiSunak in a red, white & blue dress holding an umbrella as he weasels his way out of Downing Street is the stuff of a million memes.” Another added: “#RishiSunak leaving Downing Street. Note the umbrella. Not making that mistake again, so he has learned SOMETHING.”

“@RishiSunak’s wife waiting in the wings holding an umbrella is killing me,” laughed another. Speaking outside No. 10, Rishi Sunak addressed the nation saying: “I am sorry. I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility.” He went on to say: “This is a difficult day at the end of a number of difficult days but I leave this job honoured to have been your Prime Minister.”

During his speech, he went on to add: “I have given this job my all, but you have sent a clear signal that the Government of the United Kingdom must change. And yours is the only judgment that matters. I have heard your anger, your disappointment, and I take responsibility for this loss.”

Sunak has since arrived at Buckingham Palace, with Sir Keir Starmer expected to be arriving in the next few moments.

Granit Xhaka was able to halt Harry Kane’s hopes of landing silverware with Bayern Munich this year and the Swiss star could do so again when his nation take on England at the Euros

Granit Xhaka is aiming to get one over on Harry Kane once more – this time on the international stage

Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland side will take on England on Saturday in the last eight of the Euros – with the ex-Arsenal man keen to keep his bragging rights over Harry Kane.

The Swiss have impressed thus far at the Euros, going within minutes of beating hosts Germany in the group stages before dumping out holders Italy in the last 16. They are poised to provide England’s toughest test yet with Xhaka, a recent Bundesliga winner, driving their cause.

The midfielder swapped Arsenal for Bayer Leverkusen this time last year and was quickly rewarded as he played a key role in their historic season. Leverkusen claimed a first ever league title and also landed the German Cup – stopping Bayern Munich doing so in the process.

That meant Kane’s horrid run of never winning a trophy continued despite him joining one of Europe’s serial winners. The striker will be hoping to spearhead English hopes at the Euros but will encounter a man in Xhaka, who thwarted his hopes of silverware in Germany this term.

Xhaka’s previous Arsenal association, coupled with Kane’s love for Tottenham, makes it all the sweeter for the player and those from the red half of north London. The Swiss midfielder was even quizzed on whether he takes satisfaction from it all – and couldn’t help but smile.

He said earlier this season: “It’s part of football. We know how much quality that Harry Kane has, he’s doing very well at Bayern Munich as well. You get the message, but this has nothing to do with personalities. It’s great to have the chance to play against great players. We were the happiest team to win the league.”

Xhaka’s attention is now on international matters and the Leverkusen midfielder was passed fit for Saturday’s clash after an initial injury scare. He underwent a scan on an adductor problem on Monday after complaining of the issue during the Swiss’ 2-0 win over Italy last weekend.

Harry Kane and England have struggled up to this point of the Euros ( 
Image:
2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
Kane meanwhile will be expected to retain his place in an England side that could undergo mass changes, according to reports. Their system so far at the Euros hasn’t worked and the Three Lions were lucky to avoid an embarrassing last 16 exit at the hands of Slovakia.

Gareth Southgate is being tipped to go with a back three and introduce wing-backs to potentially give England a new look and a new dimension, especially in attack where they have failed to fire, scoring four times in as many games.

Switzerland have never made the last four of a major tournament but in Dusseldorf have a chance to write their own history and also send England home packing, which would be another case of Xhaka denying Kane the prize he so desperately wants.

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A woman named Maria Gonzalez, who used to work as the housekeeper at the Montecito estate of our daring Duke and Duchess of Deceit, has stepped forward with the mother of all claims. Gonzalez is outright alleging that she, not Meghan, is the actual biological mother of Harry and Meghan’s daughter, Lilibet.

Unbelievably, if this is true, it would mean that Harry and Meghan’s hollow victimhood rallying cry of “she’s my baby, my literal flesh and blood” has been a deceitful sham from day one. All their grand self-promotional narratives about fighting the good fight for mothers and proudly embracing her multicultural heritage with Lilibet are a total fabrication, fueled by the most serious betrayal imaginable—stealing another woman’s biological child. Has there ever been a more disgustingly cynical attempt to empower your vapid brand at someone else’s expense?

supporting women’s causes, Meghan has repeatedly revealed herself as the epitome of self-serving elitism mixed with blatant hypocrisy. Her claims of being an oppressed voice for the marginalized are constantly undermined by entitled actions that harm and marginalize those around her.

Jude Bellingham discovers England ban fate after X-rated gesture in Euro 2024 win

Jude Bellingham had been charged by UEFA after appearing to make a gesture towards the Slovakian bench after scoring a wondergoal in England’s last-16 game at Euro 2024

Jude Bellingham has been fined £25,000 and handed a one-match suspension, suspended for one year by UEFA for ‘violating the basic rules of decent conduct’.

Bellingham scored a brilliant overhead kick in the 94th minute to equalise for the Three Lions in their last-16 match against Slovakia. Gareth Southgate’s side would go on to win the game in extra time to set up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland.

But as he celebrated, the midfielder appeared to cup his privates in the direction of the Slovakia bench. The Real Madrid star later claimed it was a joke aimed towards his close friends.

But UEFA quickly announced they had opened an investigation into the 21-year-old, writing to him and the FA for an explanation of his actions. The governing body has now announced that investigation has concluded and Bellingham has been punished.

UEFA said in a statement: “The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decisions: UEFA EURO round of 16 match between England and Slovakia played on 3 July 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

“Charges against English Football Association: Crowd disturbances, Art. 16(2)(h) DR; Lighting of fireworks, Art. 16(2)(c) DR.

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“Charges against English Football Association player Jude Bellingham : Violating the basic rules of decent conduct, Art. 11(2)(b) DR.

“The CEDB has decided to fine the English Football Association €10,000 for crowd disturbances and €1,000 for lighting of fireworks.

“To fine the English Football Association player Jude Bellingham €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”

Jude Bellingham has been fined after appearing to grab his privates and aim them at the Slovakian bench ( 
Image:
PA)
European football’s governing body acted quicker than expected to at least clear Bellingham to play in England’s quarter-final tie with Switzerland on Saturday. They have other outstanding cases – like a Serbia fan allegedly racially abusing England fans – but Bellingham’s verdict was delivered quickly to free him to play this weekend.

While he has been handed a one-match ban, it has been suspended for one year, meaning he is free to play in the rest of the tournament, as long as he does not break any more rules. He is expected to start for the Three Lions in their quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday.

Bellingham has admitted to being left overwhelmed by the dramatic nature of his goal. And he is keen for it to help England go all the way at this summer’s tournament.

“It was an emotional rollercoaster really, and probably not the most enjoyable way that you want to win a game. You want feel comfortable and in control, but you’ve got to find ways to win, even if it means overhead kicks in 90 plus five minutes.,” he told England’s Euro 2024 Diary Room.

“The difference in emotion is huge – it’s one minute being dead and buried, as I saw the Slovakia bench all ready to run on and you feel a bit disheartened and a bit gutted. It’s not the way I would’ve wanted it to end – I’m having a good time here with all the lads and the staff and one moment later, it all changes.”

þPrince Harry is being honored for his impact on the veteran community through his Invictus Games Foundation.

 

 

As this year’s recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the upcoming ESPY Awards, the Duke of Sussex, 39, says, “This one is for our entire service community.”

After a decade in the British Armed Forces, including two tours in Afghanistan, Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2004 to empower wounded, sick, and injured servicemen and women through sports. The event has since become a worldwide phenomenon, changing the lives of soldiers in dozens of countries.

“I truly believe that we are at our best when we’re in service to others, and Invictus is all about upholding that value,” Prince Harry told PEOPLE in 2022.

Harry’s] a veteran, and like all vets, when we get together, we talk, laugh, joke and tease each other. He’s just like one of the guys,” retired Chief Master Sgt. Garrett Kuwada, who competed for Team USA at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2023, previously told PEOPLE. “He makes you feel like you’ve known him forever.

It’s a deeply personal cause for him. He makes himself really accessible to all the competitors – he is involved in every aspect of the Games,” retired U.S. Army Captain Will Reynolds told PEOPLE.