Prince Harry to receive award at glitzy LA bash hosted by Meghan Markle's best pal Serena Williams

The award is "given to a person with a strong connection to sports who has served others in a way that echoes the legacy of the former NFL player and US Army Ranger, Pat Tillman," according to ESPN.

The Duke of Sussex is receiving the award "in honour of his tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport".

Former NFL safety Steve Gleason, battling ALS since 2011, will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, while legendary basketball coach Dawn Staley will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.

Prince Harry served in the British armed forces for a decade before founding the Invictus Games Foundation, which has "created an international platform to support wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women".

Now in its 10th year, the Invictus Games sees wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veterans, compete across different sports.

According to ESPN, The Invictus Games has "transcended borders and impacted lives across every continent, bringing together competitors from 23 nations, with continued support and programming 365 days of the year".

Prince Harry will receive the award next month, with Meghan's close friend Williams hosting the ESPYS.

The tennis legend first met the duchess at a Super Bowl party in 2010. The couple subsequently invited Williams to their wedding in 2018.

She also attended Meghan's star-studded baby shower in New York City while pregnant with Prince Archie.

Williams and Amal Clooney threw the lavish shower for the duchess in the Grand Penthouse Suite at The Mark Hotel on New York's Upper East Side.

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According to a biographer of Williams, her friendship with the duchess evolved through frequent phone calls and texts, with Meghan leaning on the tennis star for advice on handling the paparazzi and life as a mother.

Manchester United and England star Marcus Rashford was given the Pat Tillman Award in 2021, after raising millions of dollars during the Covid-19 pandemic to help feed children.

After announcing the "special honourees" of this year's ESPYS, which take place on July 11, ESPN's Kate Jackson said: "It’s our privilege to recognise three incredible individuals – Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry.

"These honourees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalised and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance, and we’re thrilled to celebrate them at The 2024 ESPYS."