Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are becoming “increasingly unpopular” in the US, a royal commentator has claimed.

This comes after the mother of a US war hero killed in Afghanistan criticised the decision to give Prince Harry an award honouring her dead son.

The soldier’s mother, Mary, said: “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award. Some recipients are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.

“These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised.”

Prince Harry has been given the award for his work with veterans

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ESPY said Harry was being honoured for his “tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport” with his Invictus Games.

The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) is run by the sports TV network ESPN and the Pat Tillman Award has previously been given to unsung heroes.

Speaking to GB News, royal commentator Nile Gardiner said: “Harry and Meghan, I would say, are increasingly unpopular in the United States. I described them as two of the most unpopular figures in the US today.

“Harry and Meghan are viewed as selfish, narcissistic individuals who have launched attack after attack upon their own family and have, you know, trashed the royal family.

“The Americans are very pro the British monarchy.”

He added: “She was right to attack this award. And there’s already a big online petition calling for the prize not to be given to Prince Harry.

Nile Gardiner is said that the mother was right to question the decision

“I think that this is an illustration as well that Harry and Meghan’s narcissism does not go down very well in the United States and America.

“Most American people really love the Royal Family, okay. They do not look kindly upon Harry and Meghan trashing them in the United States and does not go down very well.

“They’re very divisive figures, and this award is very, very controversial. There’s a huge backlash in the United States, and it’s an illustration of just how unpopular Harry and Meghan are on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Last year the gong went to members of the Buffalo Bills American football team training staff who revived a dying player on the field.

Prince Harry works “tirelessly” for the military

Duke of SussexA spokesman for ESPY said: “ESPY, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honouring 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.

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

Representatives for Prince Harry and Meghan have been approached by GB News for comment.