Mr. Problem: Prince Harry is at the center of a scandal over a military award for the Invictus Games

The youngest son of King Charles III, Prince Harry, has been caught up in a scandal over his nomination for the Pat Tillman Award, named after a US Army soldier killed in Afghanistan. The Duke of Sussex is to receive the military honor, which was previously awarded to unsung heroes, for his work in the Invictus Games on July 11.

The life of 27-year-old Pat Tillman, who gave up his football career to serve, was cut short while performing a combat mission by "friendly fire," the Daily Mail reports. The defender's family and friends believe that the award should go to more deserving people.

Prince Harry has been nominated for an award for his "tireless work to positively impact the veteran community through the power of sport" during the Invictus Games. The British royal founded the annual Paralympic-style competition to give wounded service members and veterans a chance to try their hand at wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and indoor rowing.

Mary, the mother of the fallen soldier, believes that the prize named after her son should be awarded to a less controversial person: "There are recipients who are much more suitable. There are people in the veteran community who are doing great things to help veterans. These people do not have the money, resources, connections, or privileges that Prince Harry has. I believe that these are the people who should be recognized."

Pat McAfee, a former National Football League player, also supported the woman's negative attitude to the monarch's award. He noted that world leaders should support sports, not seek recognition.

As a result, a petition to reconsider the decision appeared on the website of the American cable sports television channel ESPN, which gained 68,000 signatures in ten days.

"Pat Tillman was an example of duty, honor, and sacrifice. He gave up his successful career in the NFL to serve his country after the September 11 attacks and was tragically killed in the line of duty. Awarding this honor to someone who does not reflect the intent of the award diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman's memory," the statement said.

However, some people supported the monarch, who made two tours of Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot.

"He's a royal prince, there are 100 different things he could have done with his life after serving in the British armed forces, but he chose to devote a significant part of his life after the army to helping veterans," said former Pat Tillman Award winner Jake Wood.

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