AceShowbiz - Prince Harry's response to backlash over his Pat Tillman Award has been revealed. If a new report is to be believed, the Duke of Sussex was "stunned" by the criticism, which also came from the late football player.

According to The Telegraph, sources claimed that the backlash was a "bitter pill to swallow." The insiders explained, "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," the sources continued.

Harry is set to be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his Invictus Games work at the upcoming ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on July 11. The Pat Tillman Award for Service is an annual honor given at the show to a person or persons who have served others in a way that embodies the legacy Pat left behind. The memorial award was set up in the name of the American football star, who gave up a lucrative career to enlist in the U.S. Army after 9/11.

ESPN shares that Harry was chosen for his "tireless work in making a positive impact for the veteran community through the power of sport" with his Invictus Games. While the organization thinks the British royal is eligible for the award, some people begged to differ. Among those who were against the decision was Tillman's mom Mary, who claimed that she wasn't consulted about Prince Harry being given the award bearing her son's name.

"I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award," she told Daily Mail last month. "There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans."

She continued, "These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized."