The 2024 ESPY Awards turned into a royal affair as Serena Williams, hosting the event at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, playfully took aim at her friends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The tennis champ didn’t hold back, teasing the Sussexes about their spotlight-stealing tendencies.
Amidst the glitz and glam of the awards night, where Prince Harry was honored with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service, Williams couldn’t resist poking fun at the royal couple. “Please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight,” Williams quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience. “This is my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by accusations you guys are taking up too much oxygen,” she added with a mischievous smile.
Despite the jest, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle seemed to take the ribbing in good spirits, exchanging smiles and appearing relaxed throughout Williams’s playful jabs. Their friendship with Williams goes back several years, highlighted by Williams’s attendance at their much-celebrated royal wedding in 2018.
Earlier in the evening, the trio posed together on the red carpet, showcasing a camaraderie that transcends the boundaries of sports and royalty. Williams, known for her wit and charisma both on and off the court, brought her signature style to the event, setting a lively tone for the star-studded ceremony.
Later in the night, it was Prince Harry’s turn in the spotlight as he stepped onto the stage to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service. Named after the late NFL player who sacrificed his career to serve in the US Army post-9/11, the award recognizes individuals who exemplify dedication to service and community.
However, the award’s selection sparked controversy, with voices like Mary Tillman, Pat Tillman’s mother, expressing dismay over Harry’s recognition. “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” Tillman remarked in an interview with the Daily Mail, suggesting other candidates within the veteran community might have been more appropriate choices.
Despite the criticism, Harry decided to accept the honor, underscoring his commitment to veterans’ causes and his ongoing work with initiatives like the Invictus Games, which he founded to support wounded veterans through sports.
The evening at the ESPY Awards thus blended moments of lighthearted banter with poignant recognition of service and sacrifice. Williams, through her jests and hosting prowess, ensured the event remained memorable and engaging, reflecting the spirit of celebration and camaraderie that defines the sports community.
As the awards concluded, the spotlight on Williams, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle served not only to entertain but also to highlight the enduring bonds of friendship and shared commitment to making a positive impact on the world stage.
