Serena Williams playfully poked fun at her friends, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, during the 2024 ESPY Awards on Thursday night, accusing them of overshadowing her appearance at the event. The tennis legend hosted the awards show at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, where Prince Harry was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

Taking to the stage, Williams humorously addressed the audience, acknowledging the presence of the Sussexes. “Please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight,” she quipped, adding, “This is my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by accusations you guys are taking up too much oxygen.” Her jest was met with laughter from the crowd, and Harry and Meghan were seen smiling, taking the joke in stride.

Williams and Markle have been friends for years, with the athlete attending the royal wedding in 2018. Earlier in the evening, the trio posed together on the red carpet, showcasing their close bond.

Later, Prince Harry took to the stage to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service, recognized for his military experience and his work with the Invictus Games, an organization he founded to support injured and sick servicemen and women. The award, named after Pat Tillman, the former NFL player who enlisted in the US Army after 9/11 and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004, is a prestigious honor.

The Sussexes attended the awards show at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, where Harry was being honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

Despite the accolade, the decision to honor Prince Harry was met with some controversy. Pat Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, voiced her disapproval, telling the Daily Mail, “I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award. There are recipients that are far more fitting. Individuals are working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans.”

Williams’ light-hearted remarks provided a moment of levity amidst the mixed reactions to Harry’s award. Her playful jabs highlighted the close relationship between the tennis star and the royal couple, while also acknowledging the controversies surrounding their public roles. The ESPY Awards, with Williams as the host, showcased not only the achievements of athletes but also the enduring bonds of friendship and the complexities of public life.