Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Likely ‘Drowning Out’ Criticism Over Recent Award, Says Expert

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are probably “drowning out” the criticisms related to his recent award, according to a royal expert.

The Duke of Sussex received the Pat Tillman Award on Thursday, sparking intense backlash as many disagreed with him being this year’s recipient. Even Tillman’s mother, Mary, expressed disapproval, saying “someone else could be more deserving” than the “controversial and divisive” royal. Amid the commotion, Grant Harrold, a former royal butler for King Charles, revealed that Prince Harry doesn’t want to upset anyone.

“From what I remember, Harry was always an extremely private person, so I’m not sure how he’ll feel about that, but I can imagine his way of coping with the attention is to carry on as normal,” Harrold said OK! magazine. “He’d never want to cause any upset. If he thinks that it is going to cause upset, then it is quite likely that he could decline the award… because he’d never want to cause any upset and it would affect him hearing about the backlash.”

However, Prince Harry’s team previously stated he had “no plans on turning down the Pat Tillman Award for Service,” dismissing the previous report about his reaction to the backlash as “purely speculative and without merit.” Regarding how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would handle the criticisms, Harrold believes they will ignore it and continue living their lives.

“I’m sure they’ll be drowning out the outside noise by continuing with their normal and everyday life and trying not to turn on the television or read the papers as much,” Harrold shared. “They’re being talked about constantly, given their profiles.”

Meghan Markle joined Prince Harry at ESPN’s 32nd annual ceremony, where he received the Pat Tillman Award. The event was hosted by their friend Serena Williams, who joked about their presence.

“Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let’s give it up for them,” Williams said, according to People. “But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight. Because this is my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen, okay?” Despite the controversy, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appear to be focusing on their lives and commitments, undeterred by the ongoing criticism.