Meghan Markle makes first official public appearance supporting Prince Harry at ESPY Awards
Meghan Markle has made her first public appearance in months to support her husband, Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
The Duchess of Sussex, 42, was seated next to the Duke of Sussex, 39, who accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the event for his work with the Invictus Games.
Both Harry and Meghan skipped the red carpet, with their attendance only confirmed when ESPN cameras panned to the couple clapping in the audience.
Watch the video above.
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Prince Harry and Meghan were snapped inside the 2024 ESPY Awards. They notably skipped the red carpet. Getty Images for W+P
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That was after host Serena Williams – who is a close friend of Meghan's – shouted out to the couple in her opening monologue.
"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 to the audience. "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," Williams' shoutout continued, sparking laughter from the couple, who were sitting in the front row.
The last time Meghan made an official public appearance was in May, when the couple toured Nigeria together in a landmark visit.
Williams 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, OK?"
Early on in the ceremony, Harry got up to receive his his award, with Meghan seen standing up and clapping for her husband as he made his way to the stage.
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Harry is pictured backstage here with Serena Williams, who shouted him and Meghan out in her opening monologue. Getty Images for W+P
Here's close friends Meghan and Williams backstage. Getty Images for W+P
"I'd like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Tillman Foundation," Harry began his speech when he got to the stage and was handed his trophy.
Harry then gave a special acknowledgement to the mother of Pat Tillman, Mary Tillman, who had previously spoken out about her disapproval of Harry's nomination.
"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 said after thanking Mary.
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Meghan stood up and clapped for her husband as an emotional Harry walked up to the stage to accept his special ESPY Award. ESPN
"The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation, and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality," Harry continued.
"This award belongs to them. Not to me. 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," Harry said.
"Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus most, and reduce more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives in [the United States] alone," he continued.
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Harry gave a speech as he accepted the award, which was made to honour Pat Tillman. Getty
Meghan was all smiles as she watched her husband. Getty Images for W+P
Harry then explained the meaning of the word Invictus, noting its Latin roots and definition – undefeated, or unconquered – and highlighted how Nelson Mandela credited the William Ernest Henley poem of the same name as what gave him strength to endure his 27-year-long imprisonment.
"Like that poem, the spirit of the Invictus Games transcends race, time and borders," Harry's speech continued. "It is born from unity, and exudes purpose."
He explained how 2024 marks 10 years since he created the Invictus Games, which he says has been a decade of witnessing the "life-changing impact of healing through sport". Meghan was seen beaming up at her husband and clapping after he finished that sentence.
"While so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state," Harry continued.
"We live in an age marked by polarisation and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.
"Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable. The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together, no matter one's nationality, background or personal struggles. It is a collective built from courage and mutual respect. Where athletes discover time and time again the common denominator of their humanity."
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The Golden trio! Getty Images for W+P
"Having survived the crucible of armed combat and forged through the challenge to rebuild bodies and minds impacted by conflict, they form a family. They exemplify the very best in all of us," Harry continued.
Harry highlighted the military ethos of leaving no one behind, and how it held significance particularly for Tillman's elite regiment, the United States Army Rangers.
"No matter the road ahead, we are here for you. We will leave no one behind," Harry ended his speech with a promise on behalf of the Invictus Games.
Harry has been weathering criticism ever since it was announced last month he'd been chosen for the honour, which was created to commemorate late NFL star and US Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Tillman died in combat in 2004.
Tillman's mother Mary publicly expressed her disappointment in the decision to choose Harry as one of the three recipients, claiming she had not been consulted in the decision. It's not precedent, however, that she would be consulted.
Mary told the Daily Mail she was "shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award."
"There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans," she continued.
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The couple, who live in Montecito, were first seen by fans at the Los Angeles event on TV screens. ESPN
Harry is receiving an honour that has since seen him weather criticism. ESPN
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"These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised."
Harry, one of a small number of royals who has actually seen combat, launched the Invictus Games Foundation a decade ago to help wounded and former service men and women remain active and access support.
The first Invictus Games was held in London in 2014, and the next Games are set to take place in Whistler in 2025, making it the first ever winter sport version of the event.
ESPN responded to Mary with a public statement to The Hollywood Reporter, where they doubled down on their decision to honour Harry with the award.
"ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honouring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the world," the statement began.
"While we understand not everyone will agree with the honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."
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