Harry stunned by award backlash as hope remains for Kate Wimbledon appearance - royal family news
Prince Harry is said to be "stunned" by the backlash over his receipt of an award for veterans as a petition against him approaches 70,000 signatures.
The Duke of Sussex , 39, is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the Invictus Games , but tens of thousands claim there are more worthy recipients.
This includes the late Mr Tillman's mother, Mary, who said she could not understand ESPN' s decision to give the award to a "controversial and divisive" individual.
Sources told The Telegraph : "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."
Wimbledon officials, meanwhile, remain hopeful that Kate Middleton could attend this year's tournament.
She has only made one public appearance this year because of her ongoing cancer treatment.
Debbie Jevans, the All England Club's chair, said: "We're hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as the Club's patron, but her health and recovery is the priority."
1720432834 Princess Anne 'slowly recovering' at homePrincess Anne is said to be "slowly recovering" at home after spending the best part of a week in hospital after being kicked by a horse .
The Princess Royal , 73, was forced to take a temporary step back from her work after the incident which left her with a concussion and minor injuries.
It took place as she walked around her Gloucestershire estate on 23 June.
Her children are reported to be helping her as she receives "rehabilitation" at home.
"Anne is receiving home rehabilitation," a source told The Express . "Tim and Zara are helping coordinate the medical visits and make sure she has everything she needs.
"Zara is taking an active role in helping her mother recover from the accident. The Tindalls live a stone's throw away [on the Gatcombe Park estate], so Zara is always on hand to pop over to make sure Anne has everything she needs."
It is not currently known when she will return to her duties.
Emma GuinnessThe Princess of Wales has seemingly hinted that she could appear at Wimbledon this week.
Officials have said they remain "hopeful" that Kate, 42, can attend the tournament but stressed that her "health and recovery is the priority."
She revealed that she is watching the events of the tournament closely on Twitter (X), where she sent her good wishes to Andy Murray upon his retirement.
"An incredible #Wimbledon career comes to an end. You should be so very proud . On behalf of all of us, thank you! C"
Kate is the chair of the All England Club and typically presents the trophies at the event.
Emma GuinnessWimbledon officials remain "hopeful" that the Princess of Wales could attend this year's tournament as it enters its second week.
Kate, 42, has only made one public appearance at Trooping the Colour this year as she undergoes treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.
However, she said she hoped to attend "a few engagements" this summer if she is feeling well enough .
All England Club chair Debbie Jevans told Telegraph Sport : "We're hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as the Club's patron, but her health and recovery is the priority.
"We don't know what we don't know. All we've said is that we'll work with her and give her as much flexibility as possible.
"I don't know who would present the trophies as an alternative – that's something to consider nearer the time if necessary.
"We're staying flexible. When we hear we'll then think about what's the right thing to do."
Emma Guinness 1720426262 Prince Harry 'stunned' by ongoing award backlashPrince Harry is said to be "stunned" by the ongoing backlash to his receipt of an award for veterans , which he is due to receive on 11 July.
The Duke of Sussex , 39, is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the Invictus Games , which celebrates the sporting achievements of wounded, sick or injured service people.
But tens of thousands of people have signed a Change.org petition "[calling] into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude."
This includes Mr Tillman's mother, Mary, who said she could not understand ESPN's decision to give such a "controversial and divisive" individual the award.
It was created in honour of her late son, who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2004 after giving up his professional footballing career to serve in the wake of 9/11.
The award is given to veterans who have similarly made an impact through sport.
Sources told The Telegraph : "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."
Emma GuinnessA petition urging organisers to "rethink" their decision to give Prince Harry an award for his work with the Invictus Games has now had over 40,000 signatures.
The Duke of Sussex , 39, is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the games, which celebrates the sporting achievements of wounded, sick or injured service people.
However, those favouring the petition believe that Prince Harry is not a suitable recipient.
The Change.org petition reads: "Prince Harry, while a former military officer, has been involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude.
"He has faced accusations of endangering his squadron by publicly revealing military kills.
It then references a story in Harry's 2023 memoir, Spare, in which he wrote that he used a Typhoon to target his father's car during training.
It adds: "More recently, his role in the Invictus Games, a platform meant to celebrate the resilience and dedication of veterans, has been criticised as self-centered."
Emma GuinnessGood morning.
We are pausing this blog for now. Keep up to date with our latest royal coverage here .
Athena Stavrou Athena StavrouKing Charles has been criticised by the pigeon racing community after he dropped his royal patronage for the sport.
The monarch declined to take on two patronages for the Royal Pigeon Racing Association and the National flying club, both of which his late mother held patronages for.
Paul Naum, treasurer of the National Flying Club was critical of the king's decision and told The Guardian: "We are so disappointed."
He added: "We've always had a member of the royal family as our patron and we've always been proud of it. It's a working man's sport, and it's taken that privilege away."
The decision comes as the association rejected claims by animal rights activists that the sport was cruel.
Athena StavrouMeghan Markle 's cooking programme has finished filming for Netflix, the Daily Beast has reported.
A source told the outlet: "It all went well and it is in the can."
While little is known about the untitled programme, the Duchess of Sussex herself said it will "celebrate the joys of cooking & gardening, entertaining, and friendship."
Athena StavrouThe Prince and Princess of Wales are reported to have made a private donation to the victims of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.
Kate and Wiliam are said to be following the impact of the category four storm and the subsequent relief efforts closely.
According to reports, at least six people are confirmed to have lost their lives in winds which reached as much as 165 miles per hour.
In its most affected areas, as many as 95 percent of homes are believed to be damaged or destroyed.
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