Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, finds himself at the center of an unexpected controversy that has left him "surprised and hurt," according to royal experts. The prince is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the prestigious Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) awards on Thursday, July 11, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. However, what should have been a moment of recognition for his work with the Invictus Games has instead become a source of personal distress.

Royal expert and historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop, speaking exclusively to The Mirror, revealed the emotional toll the backlash has taken on the prince. "The disproportionate backlash has surprised and hurt Harry," Dr. Dunlop stated, adding, "Commentators have deliberately missed the point. Like it or not, the Duke has a gift: that gift is his ability to serve the veteran community credibly and publicly."

The award, named after former NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004, is being presented to Prince Harry in recognition of his decade-long work founding and supporting the Invictus Games. This international sporting event supports injured and sick servicemen and women, both active duty and veterans, as they navigate physical and invisible injuries.

Despite the noble intentions behind the award, a petition on Change.org has garnered thousands of signatures urging ESPN, the awards' organizer, to reconsider its decision. The controversy escalated when Pat Tillman's mother, Mary Tillman, expressed shock at the choice, stating, "I am surprised as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award."

The unexpected criticism appears to have caught Prince Harry off guard, as sources close to the Duke suggest he viewed the award as a validation of his commitment to veterans' causes. The backlash has forced him to confront not only public disapproval but also questions about his own service and sacrifices.

Nick Ede, a brand and culture expert, highlighted the difficult position Harry now faces. Speaking to Newsweek, Ede said, "It's going to be a very tricky situation because nobody knows what it's going to be like in the actual room. There will be heroes there from the sporting world who might be completely anti him and find it awful to have him in the room."

This personal hurt is compounded by the fact that Harry has long considered his military service and subsequent work with veterans as a defining aspect of his identity. The Invictus Games, in particular, have been a source of pride and purpose for the prince since their inception in 2014.

Dr. Dunlop emphasized the emotional investment Harry has in his work with veterans, stating, "That ability to connect on a human level is the key to Harry's success as an ambassador for military veterans. He really cares."

The controversy comes at a time when Prince Harry's public image has already been subject to scrutiny following his decision to step back from royal duties and move to the United States. His public criticisms of the British royal family and revelations in his memoir "Spare" have drawn mixed reactions, making this latest backlash particularly stinging.

Despite the hurt caused by the controversy, some royal watchers believe this could be a moment of growth for the prince. "Harry must ignore the naysayers and stand proud when he collects his award," Dr. Dunlop advised. "Harry is picking it up for the men and women whose lives were lost, or changed forever, in war."

As the ESPY awards approach, all eyes will be on Prince Harry's response to this unexpected challenge. His handling of the situation could have significant implications for his public image and future endeavors. More importantly, it presents an opportunity for the prince to demonstrate resilience in the face of criticism and reaffirm his commitment to the causes he holds dear.