Prince Harry Makes Low-Key Appearance at Gala Tied to His Pat Tillman Award

Mar. 15, 2025

Before the gala, the prince attended a leadership development session with Pat Tillman Foundation CEO Dr. Katherine Steele, retired NFL quarterback Jake Plummer and motivational speaker Israel Del Toro. Prince Harry’s appearance was a surprise to the 40 Tillman scholars. At the session, footage of their reactions were featured in a video the Pat Tillman Foundation released on Friday, Nov. 8.

Prince Harry (center) at a Sentebale reception and panel discussion at The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa on Oct. 3.Brian Otieno/Getty

Brian Otieno/Getty

“Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” Harry said of Tillman’s mother. “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”

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Thedecision to present Harry with the award was debatable, with Mary telling theDaily Mailshe was “shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.”

Prince Harry at the Clinton Global Initiative 2024 Annual Meeting at New York Hilton Midtown on Sept. 24.Craig Barritt/Getty

Craig Barritt/Getty

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Harry is a veteran himself, havingserved in the British Army for 10 years.

Tillmanwas an NFL player who left his career behind to enlist in the military after Sept. 11, 2001. He died in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004 at age 27. He received the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals posthumously.

source: people.com