Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Snubbed by Venus Williams at ESPY Awards

At the recent ESPY Awards, a noticeable moment of tension unfolded as Venus Williams appeared to snub Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This incident, observed by many fans, has since sparked widespread speculation and discussion.

During the awards ceremony, Prince Harry was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for his significant work with the Invictus Games, an organization he founded to support injured and sick servicemen and women. As his name was announced, the audience erupted in applause, with many standing to congratulate him. However, Venus Williams, seated next to the prince, remained conspicuously still. She did not stand or clap as he made his way to the stage, a gesture that did not go unnoticed.

As Prince Harry delivered his acceptance speech, cameras captured Williams’s unimpressed demeanor. Her apparent lack of enthusiasm seemed to signal her disapproval of ESPN’s decision to bestow the award upon the prince. During his speech, Harry emphasized that the award was not about him but about the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans it supports. “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 Foundation a reality,” he said. “This award belongs to them, not to me.”

Despite ESPN’s endorsement and the Tillman Foundation’s backing of Harry’s award, Williams’s reaction mirrored the sentiments of several others. Social media buzzed with criticism, with many users expressing their belief that Harry was undeserving of the accolade. One user defended Williams’s stance, stating, “If Venus didn’t agree with Harry getting the award, that was her right not to clap.”

Adding to the controversy, Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary, voiced her disapproval. She argued that Harry’s wealth and resources set him apart from previous award recipients who lacked such privileges. “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 told The Daily Mail. “These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections, or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized.”

It’s worth noting that Serena Williams, Venus’s younger sister, shares a close friendship with Harry and Meghan. Serena, who hosted the ESPYs, is known for her supportive relationship with the couple. Her involvement in the event adds another layer of complexity to Venus’s perceived snub.

This incident highlights the mixed reactions to Prince Harry’s recognition at the ESPYs. While some celebrate his efforts with the Invictus Games, others, including notable figures like Venus Williams and Mary Tillman, question the appropriateness of the award. As Harry and Meghan continue to navigate their public roles, moments like these underscore the challenges they face in balancing their philanthropic endeavors with public perception.