And they got roasted by their friend Serena Williams during the opening.
From royal duties to Hollywood, podcasting, and wine, there’s nothing that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle can’t do. And today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have officially infiltrated the sports world. On Thursday night, the couple attended the 2024 ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles in chic coordinating black-and-white looks.
Markle looked elegant in a slinky white halter dress with ruching in the midsection and black strappy heels to match her husband Harry's black suit and skinny silk tie. Once inside the theater, the Sussexes smiled and posed for sweet photo, in which Markle rested her ring-clad hand on Harry's knee.
Harry is being honored at the annual event with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service, named for NFL legend and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Each year, ESPN honors one recipient for their dedication to bettering the lives of others both in and out of the sports industry.
Markle's good friend Serena Williams, who attended the couple's London nuptials back in 2018, hosted tonight's event. During her opening, the tennis star addressed the royal elephant in the room by calling out her pals. "It's well, actually only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty, and tonight is no exception," she teased referencing Harry and Meghan. "Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let's give it up for them."
"But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight," she teased. "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?"
The duke and duchess laughed along with the audience at the joke as the camera panned to capture their reactions. Markle and Williams have been friends since they met in 2010 at a Super Bowl XLIV event, according to People.
Harry and was chosen for his work with army veterans through his foundation, The Invictus Games, which he founded in 2014 after serving in the British Armed Forces for 10 years. ESPN first announced that Harry would among be this year’s honorees on June 27. Harry will receive the award alongside former NFL safety Steve Gleason and women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.
“This one is for our entire service community,” Harry said after learning the news, according to People, “It’s our privilege to recognize three incredible individuals—Steve Gleason, Dawn Staley and Prince Harry,” Kate Jackson, ESPN’s vice president of production, said. “These honorees have used their platforms to change the world and make it more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities, demonstrating incredible resilience, positivity and perseverance, and we’re thrilled to celebrate them at the 2024 ESPYS.”
Prior to tonight’s event, the couple was most recently seen together during their trip to Nigeria, where the two toured schools, met with officials, and visited charities.