Prince Harry, also known as the Duke of Sussex, encountered a night filled with shock and embarrassment during the 2024 NFL Honors Awards in Las Vegas.
The royal had traveled from the United Kingdom to the United States following a brief and chilly visit with his father, King Charles III, who is currently battling cancer.
However, the evening took a drastic turn when Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Hayward abruptly pulled Harry off the stage after receiving the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award from him.
This unexpected incident caused a stir among the audience, leading to a clash between a professional athlete and British royalty.
Hayward’s decision to remove Harry from the ceremony stemmed from his displeasure and frustration towards the prince and his wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
The couple has faced increasing criticism and controversy in both the U.S. and globally due to their perceived disrespectful, hypocritical, and ungrateful actions and statements.
Hayward, a proud American, was reportedly offended by Harry and Meghan’s involvement in the Invictus Games, an event founded by Harry in 2014 for wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans.
Hayward, whose brother served in the U.S. Army and was injured in Afghanistan, felt that the royal couple used the Games for personal gain rather than honoring the veterans and their families.
Furthermore, Hayward expressed disdain for Harry and Meghan’s extravagant lifestyle, which sharply contrasted with the modest circumstances of the veterans they aimed to support.
Known for his philanthropic endeavors, including substantial donations to various charities, Hayward was particularly outraged by the couple’s lavish spending habits.
Their association with Netflix, a platform producing content critical of the royal family and British government, further fueled Hayward’s anger.
He viewed Harry and Meghan’s actions as a betrayal to their family and country, interfering in matters beyond their scope.
As Harry presented Hayward with the award on stage, the defensive tackle’s frustration reached a tipping point.
Expecting recognition from esteemed figures like NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or former President Barack Obama, Hayward felt insulted by Harry’s presence, whom he considered a hypocrite and traitor.
In a bold move, Hayward removed Harry from the stage and proceeded to deliver a speech expressing gratitude to his colleagues, coaches, family, and fans, dedicating the award to the real heroes – the veterans and their families.
The audience’s response to Hayward’s actions was mixed, reflecting the divisive nature of the incident.
While some hailed Hayward as a courageous patriot standing up against Harry and Meghan, others condemned his behavior as disrespectful and unwarranted.
The altercation sparked intense debate and controversy among attendees, viewers, and the general public, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with the royal couple both in the U.S. and worldwide.
Harry’s ordeal at the NFL Honors Awards underscored a shift in public perception, transforming him from a respected figure known for his military service and charitable endeavors into a controversial and polarizing personality.
The incident not only marred the ceremony but also symbolized a broader disillusionment with Harry and Meghan’s actions, positioning the prince as a subject of scrutiny and criticism rather than admiration.