Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were all smiles as they attended the 2024 ESPY Awards, where the Duke of Sussex will be recognised for his work with the Invictus Games
Prince Harry was honored for his work with the Invictus Games at the 2024 ESPY Awards, and Meghan Markle was beaming with delight as she went with him.
Amid criticism over Harry’s award, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared on screen grinning from ear to ear.With her hair pulled back into a tidy ponytail and her wedding ring as her only accessories, Meghan looked gorgeous in a white halterneck dress. Adorably dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and tie, Harry stood at her side.
Prince Harry was to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service at this year’s ceremony. The award is named after ex-footballer Pat Tillman, who famously turned down a $3.8million contract to join the US Army following the 9/11 attacks.
The pair were playfully mocked by friend and host Serena Williams
Tragically, Tillman lost his life 20 years ago due to friendly fire in Afghanistan. The united front displayed by Harry and Meghan at the ceremony comes amidst a wave of criticism following the announcement that the Duke would be receiving the award, reports the Mirror US.
Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary, confessed her surprise at the decision to honour such a “controversial” figure like Harry with the award. She expressed her shock at the choice and revealed she hadn’t been consulted about the Duke of Sussex receiving the award in her late son’s name.
“I am shocked as to why they would select such a
controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she stated. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mary added: “There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”
“These people lack Prince Harry’s privileges, connections, wealth, and resources. Such people, in my opinion, ought to be acknowledged.”
ESPN, a sports TV network, presents the ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly), which recognize unsung heroes in sports. Members of the Buffalo Bills football team’s training staff were awarded the Pat Tillman award last year for their successful attempt to resuscitate a player who was close to death on the field.