Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a notable appearance at the 2024 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday. The Duke of Sussex was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service, recognizing his significant contributions through the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style competition he founded for wounded service members.
Prince Harry took the stage at the Dolby Theatre to accept the award, expressing his gratitude and redirecting the honor to the veterans and service personnel who have participated in the Invictus Games. “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 the 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality,” he said. “This award belongs to them, not to me.”
He emphasized the importance of recognizing the achievements, spirit, and courage of these athletes and their families. “Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus most and reduce more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives in this country alone,” Harry added.
Reflecting on the ten-year journey of the Invictus Games, Harry highlighted the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead. “We’re celebrating ten years of witnessing life-changing impact and healing through sport,” he said. “While so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state. We live in an age marked by polarization and division. Conflicts rage around the globe, anger and resentment towards those who are different seem to pervade societies everywhere.”
He continued, “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.”
Harry was joined on stage by past Pat Tillman award recipients Sergeant Kirstie Ennis, Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks, and Sergeant Israel Del Toro. He thanked the Tillman family, particularly Pat Tillman’s mother, for the honor. “Her advocacy for Pat’s legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect,” Harry said. “The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses.”
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, was present to support her husband. She wore a stunning white halter gown paired with black strappy sandals, a single bracelet, diamond earrings, and her wedding ring from Harry. The couple was seen cozying up in the audience, with Meghan placing her hand on Harry’s knee.
The 2024 ESPYs, hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams, celebrated the best athletes and sports figures. Williams, a close friend of Harry and Meghan, gave the couple a shout-out during her opening monologue, jokingly asking them not to overshadow her night.
Harry’s military background and his dedication to the Invictus Games were highlighted throughout the evening. He served in the British Army for ten years, rising to the rank of Apache helicopter commander and being deployed to Afghanistan twice. The Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014, have been held in various cities, including London, Orlando, Toronto, Sydney, Dusseldorf, and The Hague.
Despite the recognition, not everyone was pleased with Harry receiving the award. Mary Tillman, the mother of the slain US hero Pat Tillman, expressed her disapproval, stating that there were more fitting recipients. However, ESPN stood by their decision, emphasizing the incredible work of the Invictus Games Foundation.
The couple’s appearance at the ESPYs comes after a period of relative quiet following their recent trip to Nigeria. Meghan has been busy with various projects, including a new Netflix cooking show that has reportedly wrapped filming.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s presence at the 2024 ESPY Awards was a significant moment, highlighting their ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and service members through the Invictus Games. Their coordinated black-and-white outfits and public display of affection added a touch of glamour to the star-studded event.
Source: Getty Images, ABC News, Daily Mail, Page Six
