Neither Prince Harry nor Meghan Markle cared about the controversy surrounding the 2024 ESPY Awards.
The Duke of Sussex attended the ceremony to accept the Pat Tillman Service Award, despite criticism from Tillman’s mother.
Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex were present at the 32nd annual ESPN ceremony, held on July 11th at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, to honor sporting achievements.
The ESPY Awards were presented by Serena Williams, a friend of Meghan and Harry.
The tennis legend greeted the couple in her opening monologue, eliciting laughter from the audience.
“It’s well, actually only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty, and tonight is no exception,” Williams said. “Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let’s give it up for them.”
“But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight,” she continued. “Because this is my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen, okay?” the athlete quipped.
The night was filled with memorable moments, including comments, smiles, and profound speeches.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the ESPYs 2024
Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the Invictus Games.
The Pat Tillman Award is given annually in honor of the NFL player who left the league and enlisted in the military after 9/11. Tillman tragically passed away in Afghanistan in 2004 at the age of 27.
However, this year’s announcement of the awardee was not well-received by everyone. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother, expressed her discontent because there were others more deserving of the award.
Prince Harry at the ESPYs 2024
Upon taking the stage, Prince Harry thanked the Pat Tillman Foundation. Harry also paid tribute to Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, despite comments she had made about the Duke of Sussex.
“I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I’m so honored is here tonight. I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother,” Harry said. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect.”
“The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses,” he continued.
“This award belongs to them, not to me,” he continued. “That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you. Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most and reduce the more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives, in this country alone.”
Referencing the Invictus Games’ milestone anniversary, he said: “This year, we are celebrating 10 years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport. And while so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state. We live in an age marked by polarization and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.”
Meghan Markle reception dress
Meghan Markle chose an elegant custom white halter dress by Oscar de la Renta for the occasion, complemented with black strappy sandals. This stunning ensemble evoked the dress she wore in 2018 during her royal wedding reception.
On that occasion, after walking down the aisle in a custom Givenchy design by Clare Waight Keller, Meghan changed into a white halter dress with a striking open back for the evening party.
During the award ceremony, Meghan stood up and applauded as her husband took the stage to receive the award and deliver a speech.