“He was a brave soldier, he did two tours in Afghanistan, but nevertheless the constant reminder of his military connection grates with a lot of people who can’t get over the fact he chose financial gain and a break from royal tradition ahead of service.”

Having completed two tours of Afghanistan, Harry founded the Invictus Games to help wounded service personnel and their families in 2014. In 2021, he told Parade that his military service was “the happiest times in my life”.

However, he has recently come under fire after being given the Pat Tillman Award at the ESPY (Excellence in Sport Performance Yearly) Awards for his work with the games. The award is named after former NFL player and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.

Tillman’s mother, Mary, told the Mail she was “shocked” at Harry’s nomination when there “are recipients that are far more fitting”. While Admiral Lord Alan West, who was First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2002-06, also criticised the move.

Collecting the award, Harry paid tribute to his mother and said he was receiving it on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation. He said: “I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.

“This award belongs to them, not to me.”