Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Serena Williams attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Harry wore a sharp black suit and a buttoned white shirt, while his wife, Meghan, dazzled in an elegant white halter dress. The duchess’s hair was styled in a sleek low bun.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Beyond the glamorous evening, it highlighted Harry receiving the prestigious Pat Tillman Award. The hosts called the prince to come on stage to accept the award.
As soon as his name was announced, Meghan immediately stood up and enthusiastically applauded her husband. Her gesture sparked a standing ovation from many in the audience at the theatre.
Venus Williams watches Prince Harry walk up to the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn
However, Venus, who was seated next to the royal couple, remained in her seat, with a serious expression. The acclaimed tennis player simply watched Meghan support her husband, without joining in.
Meghan Markle applauds from the back as Prince Harry walks up the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn
Despite the event’s joyful atmosphere, Venus’s stoic demeanor caught the public’s attention. As a result, X, formerly Twitter, quickly lit up with reactions to the tennis star’s behavior.
Venus Williams gazes sideways as Meghan Markle applauds Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn
One user pointed out that you don’t need to be a royal fan to notice that Venus and her mother didn’t stand or applaud. Another found humor in the situation. This user wrote, “Harry must feel the disgust emanating from Venus. “
Venus Williams watches Meghan Markle standing and applauding for Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn
The tension was palpable for some viewers. “They must have noticed that penetrative stare from Venus,” another assumed. “Venus’s body language speaks volumes,” an X user observed.
Venus Williams, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Amid the netizens’ assumptions about Venus’s serious expression, the show remained heartwarming. In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry thanked the Pat Tillman Foundation for recognizing his efforts.
He also thanked the Tilman family, especially Pat’s mother, Mary. He dedicated the award to the veterans and service personnel involved in the Invictus Games. He also praised them, highlighting how the Games unite people and help them heal.
