A royal analyst who charges Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of "collecting trophies" in order to win popular acceptance has criticised them.

Recognising his military history and efforts with the Invictus Games, 39-year-old Duke of Sussex has been presented with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPYs This news has generated debate since Mary Tillman, the late hero's mother, objected and said she was not consulted about the choice.

Royal expert Kinsey Schofield attacked the Sussexes, implying their search for accolades is meant to "buy the public's respect" and enhance their reputation. "They try to buy good PR through networking and trophy collecting, but the public sees through it," Schofield said.

ESPN justified its choice to recognize Harry by stressing his two trips in Afghanistan as a helicopter pilot and ten years of military service in the British army. ESPN said, "with the support of the Tillman Foundation, we are honoring Prince Harry for his work with The Invictus Games Foundation, which promotes healing through sports for military members and veterans."

Schofield also attacked Meghan Markle for getting accolades for her now-cancelled podcast, "Archetypes," which Spotify cut down after twelve episodes. "Meghan accepted multiple awards for a podcast that was canceled," Schofield said.

The 48th Annual Gracie Awards crowned Markle a digital media national winner and she received the People's Choice Award for "The Pop Podcast of 2022". The Sussexes have received a number of honors since resigning from royal responsibilities in 2020, including the NAACP's President's Award in 2022 and a Ripple of Hope Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Association.

Along with her mother, Doria Ragland, Markle received the Women of Vision Award in NYC and she and Harry accepted it. Harry has also been honored with the Living Legends of Aviation award and into their Hall of Fame.