As Thursday's ESPY awards ceremony approaches, Prince Harry will receive the Pat Tillman Distinguished Service Award at the L.A. event.

After ESPN announced Harry's award, the award, which is given annually to "someone with a strong connection to sports" in honor of Tillman, a former NFL player turned U.S. Army Ranger who died in Afghanistan in 2004 at age 27, sparked a backlash. Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman, told the Daily Mail that she thought there were other "far more deserving" people who should receive the award.

ESPN defended Harry, a British Army veteran who served for 10 years, including two tours in Afghanistan. He founded the Invictus Games 10 years ago to help wounded and injured soldiers, veterans and those still serving, find community through sports. According to the network, Harry was selected because of "his tireless efforts to positively impact the veteran community through the power of sports." In response to the backlash surrounding Harry's selection, ESPN told TMZ Sports, "We understand that not everyone agrees with every honoree selected for any award, but the Invictus Games Foundation does great work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating We believe that this is a cause worth celebrating," he said in a statement.

Harry is reportedly saddened by the public reaction to his award, especially as it relates to his work with the military and veterans, an activity very close to his heart. A source told The Telegraph, "Harry's legacy at Invictus, what he accomplished, that's his real passion." 'This is a space where he really feels at home. It's something he cares deeply about." The response certainly took the shine off the award.

A television consultant who works for both Disney and ESPN told Tatler that Harry's presence at the ESPYs will bring "insane eyeballs" to the televised show, adding, "The fact that so many people are talking about Harry and this honor will make upper management would make the top brass very happy. They will be adamantly in favor of Harry getting this honor, and they will be thrilled that such a decision has generated so much interest on this night behind closed doors. Whether they like it or not, Harry will attract interest."

Meghan Markle is rumored to be attending the ESPYs in Los Angeles with her husband, which will be hosted by Meghan's longtime friend Serena Williams. The awards will air this Thursday, July 11, at 8 p.m. on ABC.