Doubts have been raised about the Sussexes’ relationship with the Williams sisters after a viral video alleged to show Prince Harry being snubbed by Venus Williams at the ESPY Awards.
There has been controversy around Prince Harry being nominated for the Pat Tillman Award in the ESPY Awards.
“The Pat Tillman Award is like a very prestigious honour, it honours a former NFL player who left the sport to go and fight in Afghanistan in 9/11 and fortunately he died in combat,” says SkyNews.com.au Digital Reporter Reilly Sullivan.
“So certainly there’s a sombre aspect to it, but it’s really given to people who do significant things in the charity world and I think that for Harry I mean he’s getting it in recognition of Invictus.
“But certainly some people have come out – Piers Morgan was one, even family members of Pat Tillman said they didn’t think it was appropriate that Harry’s getting the award.”
Drawing from a viral video shared by ESPN on YouTube, enthusiasts claimed the five-time Wimbledon champion, 44, refused to stand and applaud the Duke when he received the honour from the sports network at the ESPY Awards in Los Angeles last Thursday.
The ex-working royal ran to the stage to collect his accolade in recognition of his Invictus Games foundation while his wife Meghan Markle and the crowd rose to their feet in applause, but Williams remained seated and did not clap.
Royal fans have alleged Venus Williams plainly snubbed Prince Harry as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for service last week at the ESPY Awards. Picture: YouTube
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“Loved seeing Venus giving Harry and Megsie the ‘side eye’….no standing ovation or clapping,” one person wrote on X.
“Harry must feel the disgust emanating from Venus,” another said.
The former world No. 1 tennis legend could be seen “glaring” at Meghan while she admired her husband on the stage.
“Venus glared at #MeghanMarkle at least twice this evening. Why were so many staring at Meghan when it’s HARRY walking up on stage?,” one person said.
Yet, others suggested it was the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who disregarded the Williams sister sitting next to them on the uber-luxe evening.
“Anyone mentioned how H and M purposefully never acknowledged Venus sitting to Harry’s direct right? They were both ghosting her,” one fan claimed.
The Duke of Sussex was emotional as he accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at 2024 ESPYs on Thursday.
Prince Harry was accompanied by his wife, Meghan Markle, at the event after he was chosen for the award.
Following the award announcement, Pat Tillman’s mother revealed she was “shocked” that a “controversial” individual was receiving it.
The ESPY Awards were held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by female tennis legend Serena Williams.
Past Tillman Award winners Marine Sgt. Kirstie Ennis, Army Sgt. Elizabeth Marks and US Air Force Master Sgt. Israel Del Toro Jr handed Harry the award.
Visibly emotional, the Duke of Sussex received the prestigious honour for his work in co-founding the Invictus Games.
Harry was reportedly left “stunned” and “quite sad” after being lambasted following ESPN’s honour.
ESPN defended their decision to award the Duke, stating his involvement in the Invictus Games “is a cause worth celebrating”.
Williams appeared to be focused on the Prince’s speech, in which he highlighted the “eternal bond” between mother and son in a nod to late soldier Pat Tillman’s mother Mary Tillman and his own mum Princess Diana.
The camera showed the 44-year-old listening intently with a serious expression as Harry expressed admiration for Ms Tillman’s advocacy work.
It comes as legitimacy of the Sussexes’ friendship with Williams’ younger sister Serena was recently questioned.
The tennis star attended their wedding in May 2018 after first meeting Meghan at the 2010 Super Bowl.
But Meghan was reportedly left off Williams’ baby shower guest list despite the tennis star hosting the Duchess’ own shower for Prince Archie in 2019.
Serena, who was hosting on Thursday evening, gave a shoutout to the couple from onstage followed by a vibe poking fun at their ability to attract attention easily. Picture: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for W+P
Serena, who was on hosting duties at the awards, gave a shoutout to the couple from the stage before poking fun at their ability to attract attention easily.
“It’s… 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,” she said.
“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, OK?”
Despite Harry accepting the award on the night, he faced strong calls to reject it because the accolade typically went to unsung veterans.
More than 76,000 people signed a petition demanding the decision be reversed.
ESPN defended it and cited his role in setting up the Invictus Games – which Harry mentioned as he dedicated the award to “the entire service community”.