Prince Harry and Meghan Markle excel at several endeavors, including royal duties, Hollywood, podcasting, and winemaking. And now, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have officially entered the sporting world. On Thursday night, the couple attended the 2024 ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, dressed in stunning coordinated black-and-white outfits.
Markle looked stunning in a slinky white halter dress with ruching in the stomach and black strappy heels that matched her husband Harry’s black suit and slim silk tie. Once inside the theater, the Sussexes smiled and posed for a lovely photo, with Markle resting her ring-clad palm on Harry’s knee.
Harry will receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, named after NFL icon and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Every year, ESPN recognizes one individual for their commitment to improving the lives of others, both inside and outside of the sports industry.
Markle’s close friend, Serena Williams, who attended the couple’s London wedding in 2018, hosted tonight’s celebration. During her introduction, the tennis star addressed the royal elephant in the room by calling out her friends. “It’s only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty, and tonight is no exception,” she teased, referring to Harry and Meghan. “Prince Harry and Meghan are here.” Let us give it up for them.
“But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight,” she told them. “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, okay?”
The duke and duchess chuckled with the audience as the camera panted to catch their reactions to the joke. Markle and Williams have been friends since 2010, when they met at a Super Bowl XLIV event, according to People.
Harry was picked for his work with army veterans through his nonprofit, The Invictus Games. He formed it in 2014 after serving in the British Armed Forces for ten years. On June 27, ESPN revealed Harry would be among this year’s honorees. Harry will share the honor with retired NFL safety Steve Gleason and women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.
” According to People, Harry expressed his excitement for the entire service community upon hearing the news. “We are honored to acknowledge three remarkable individuals—Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley, and Prince Harry,” stated Kate Jackson, ESPN’s vice president of production. “These individuals have utilized their platforms to create positive change and promote inclusivity for marginalized and suffering communities. Their remarkable resilience, positivity, and perseverance are truly inspiring, and we are excited to honor them at the 2024 ESPYS.”
Before tonight’s event, the couple was last spotted together during their visit to Nigeria. They took the opportunity to tour schools, meet with officials, and visit charities.