Prince Harry 'Terrified' While Receiving Pat Tillman Award But Relieved After Delivering Acceptance Speech, Body Language Expert Says
Prince Harry decided to accept the controversial Pat Tillman Award personally despite the criticisms he received over it.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the 2024 ESPYS in Los Angeles on Thursday. Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award. He went on stage for the trophy and delivered his acceptance speech. Judi James, a leading communication and body language expert, weighed in on his gestures at the event and said he was "completely aware" of the criticisms directed at him over the accolade.
"Harry's body language during his speech suggested his complete awareness of the criticism that had been brewing prior to it," James told The Sun. "Like any good A-list actor accepting an Oscar, he began by looking overwhelmed and shocked though, with a good dollop of humble thrown in. He posed, staring ahead with a haunted and terrified-looking eye expression, standing hunched in what looked like performative disbelief."
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James also pointed out how Prince Harry called the presenters to join him on stage as if he was "nervous about appearing alone and needing company." Meghan Markle's husband also rubbed his face and looked down, hinting he was "overwhelmed."
"A loud puffing exhale suggested a re-boot and then his tongue-poke hinted at reluctance," James continued.
Prince Harry mentioned Pat Tillman's mom, Mary, in his speech, but he was visibly uncomfortable, according to the expert. Mary was open about her disapproval of the Duke of Sussex being this year's recipient of the award named after her late son, who left the NFL to enlist in the U.S. Army in 2002. She even called Prince Harry "a controversial and divisive individual," adding that there were "recipients that are far more fitting."
"There was some postural awkwardness as he praised Tillman's mother and one foot was lifted off the ground before he started to sway slightly," James said.
The body language expert noted that Prince Harry's "awkwardness" was visible when he hailed Mary's work for her son's foundation. James also pointed out "an eye-wince of shared emotion" when Prince Harry described the bond between a mother and son as "eternal."
While on stage, Prince Harry sucked his lips and clamped them shut. His lower jaw also began to jut, and his brows pulled into a frown when he spoke about the award belonging to "them," not him.
"His 'this award belongs to them not me' signaled the start of his rituals of firm defiance," James added.
"Harry began to bite at his words with a defiant micro-wince and a clenching of the jaw. He splayed his legs to show growing confidence for his campaigning theme while clutching his award like a weapon."
The expert added that he looked relieved when he got off the stage after delivering his acceptance speech.
"There was a Harry-hug for the presenters at the end as he turned to throw his arms round all three of them and then a smile of what looked like relief as he walked off backstage."
Michael Cole, a former BBC journalist and royal commentator, previously suggested that Prince Harry should either "politely decline" the award or "not accept it in person." Apparently, Prince Harry chose to do it his own way.
