Meghan Markle ‘Risked’ a Lot by Going to the ESPYs, Commentator Says: ‘There Was No Neutral Option for Her’
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
Royston continued, saying whatever chose to do—go or not go to the ceremony—“there was no neutral option” available.
“It would have looked very kind of out of place if, you know, if one of your best friends was hosting and your husband’s collecting an award for you to stay home,” he said. “You would have to think that it would look deliberate for people. So there was no neutral option for her.”
“She had to choose to stand with Harry or choose to abandon him. But you know clearly, both from a PR point of view and from a marital health point of view, I think it’s very good that she chose to stand by him.”
What Harry said in his 2024 ESPYs acceptance speech
Harry took the stage to accept his award, delivering a five-minute speech. In his remarks, he turned the spotlight away from himself. He paid tribute to Tillman’s mother, veterans, and Invictus Games competitors. He also referenced his own mother, the late Princess Diana.
“I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton [his widow], who I’m so honored is here tonight,” Harry said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother. 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 continued.
Harry went on to explain the origin of the word, “Invictus,” before telling the audience the award “belongs to” the veterans and service members “who have made the Invictus Games a reality,” not to him.
