Prince Harry makes surprise appearance in Chicago despite controversy surrounding Duke of Sussex's award
Prince Harry attended a summit in New York in September.
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Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at the Pat Tillman Foundation's 20th annual Tillman Honors gala in Chicago on Wednesday.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, attended the event, which featured a keynote address from Paralympic champion Bradley Snyder, a 2020 Tillman Scholar.
During the gala, Harry was seated next to Marie Tillman Shenton, widow of Pat Tillman.
The low-key appearance marks a continued relationship between the prince and the foundation, following his receipt of the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year's ESPY Awards.
The Duke of Sussex received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year's ESPYS
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Prior to the gala, Prince Harry participated in a leadership development session alongside Pat Tillman Foundation CEO Dr Katherine Steele, retired NFL quarterback Jake Plummer and motivational speaker Israel Del Toro.
The prince's attendance came as a surprise to the 40 Tillman scholars present at the session.
The Pat Tillman Foundation later released footage showing the scholars' reactions to Harry's unexpected appearance.
Tillman gave up a lucrative career in the NFL to enlist as an Army Ranger in 2002.
The US war hero served in Iraq and then Afghanistan, where he was killed by friendly fire in 2004.
Pat Tillman gave up a lucrative career in the NFL to enlist as an Army Ranger in 2002.
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During the ESPY Awards in July, Harry expressed his "deepest gratitude" to the foundation and its members, including Marie Tillman Shenton who was present in the audience.
He also acknowledged Pat Tillman's mother Mary, noting that "the bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses."
However, Harry's receipt of the Pat Tillman Award sparked controversy when Mary Tillman expressed her shock at the decision.
During an interview with the Daily Mail, she questioned why "such a controversial and divisive individual" had been selected for the award.
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The Duke of Sussex was said to be stunned by the backlash he received following his nomination.
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The Duke of Sussex was said to be stunned by the backlash he received following his nomination.
A source told The Telegraph: "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."
ESPN defended their choice in a statement: "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."
The network acknowledged that not everyone would agree with all honorees, but maintained that "the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."
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