Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Attend The ESPYs
Tennis icon Serena Williams, who attended the couple's royal London wedding in 2018, hosted the event and said to the audience during the show, "It's well, actually only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty, and tonight is no exception. Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let's give it up for them."
She continued to joke, "But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight. 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?"
Harry was honored at the star-studded event with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service for his immense contribution to veterans through his Invictus Games.
For the annual ceremony, ESPN recognizes one recipient for their dedication to improving the lives of others both within and outside the sports industry. Once he took the stage, he delivered a powerful speech that also included a hint at his mother, Princess Diana.
Prince Harry Delivers a Touching Speech After Accepting the Tillman Award
"I’d like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone at the Pat Tillman Foundation, led by Marie Tillman Shenton, who I’m so honored is here tonight. 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," he said.
He added, "The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses."
He went on to thank the thousands of veterans who made this possible, emphasizing the need to continue improving people's lives and calling for unity.