Going to the 2024 ESPYs was no small thing for Meghan Markle . A commentator says by joining Prince Harry as he accepted an award amid much backlash, she “risked putting her own neck on the line.” Meghan made sure Harry ‘didn’t face an uncertain crowd alone’ at the ESPYs The Duke and Duchess of Sussex went to the ESPYs on July 11, 2024, where Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his work with the Invictus Games.
It came after much backlash. The late U.S.
Army Rangers’ mother, Mary Tillman, described Harry as “controversial and divisive” shortly after the award announcement. Meanwhile, a petition to give the award to someone “more deserving” garnered upwards of 75,000 signatures. Nevertheless, Harry and Meghan attended the ESPYs, which were hosted by the latter’s close friend, Serena Williams, in Los Angeles, California.
“Meghan did look fantastic,” Jack Royston said of the 42-year-old’s white Oscar de la Renta gown on the July 17 episode of The Royal Report podcast (via Newsweek ). “She clapped for Harry, and she was there in the audience.” “She could have tried to stay home and let Harry kind of step into the fire, step into the furnace alone,” he explained.
“But she chose to be there for her husband. And she kind of risked putting her own neck on the line and her own reputation on the table to make sure he didn’t face an uncertain crowd alone.” She had to ‘stand with Harry’ or ‘abandon him’ at the awards show.