Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been blasted for their "gross" PR tactics as the Duke of Sussex is set to accept an award which honours a dead war hero.
The Duke of Sussex is set to be given a memorial award set up in the name of Pat Tillman, a soldier who died in the line of duty.There has been a furious reaction to Harry's nomination for the award including public criticism from Tillman's mother.
A petition demanding ESPN rethink their decision, claiming the Duke of Sussex had been "involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude" has now reached 70,000 signatures.
Prince Harry has been nominated for the award
PAThe Duke of Sussex was nominated for the award due to his work as the founder of the Invictus Games.
Speaking to GBN America, Daily Mail columnist Maureen Callahan criticised the duke for accepting the honour.
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She said: "In America, they're laughing stocks. They're covered in American tabloids constantly because it's an incredible story of self-inflicted wound after self-inflicted wound.
"When you compare these two with the bravery, the courage, the dignity of William and Kate, especially in this very trying time for Kate and King Charles.
"These two are over here panhandling, looking for any sort of spotlight, no matter how cheaply it comes.
"It just it all feels very sad and and gross. And when we see Harry accept this award, it's going to be another self-inflicted wound."
Maureen Callahan blasted the couple
GBNA
It comes as a source close to the royal told The Telegraph that Harry had been left stunned by the backlash to his nomination.
The source said: "Harry’s legacy on Invictus, the things he has achieved, that’s his real passion.
"This is the space in which he truly feels at home, it is something he deeply cares about. The reaction certainly took the shine off the award."
Prince Harry is nominated due to his achievements with the Invictus Games
PALast week, ESPN released a statement highlighting the Duke of Sussex's achievements with the Invictus Games following the backlash.
The organisation said: "ESPN, 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 honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."