FRAZER HARRISON / Getty Images via AFP
The American tennis champion and the Sussexes were together at the Espy Awards evening in Los Angeles on July 11.
1-0 for Serena Williams in the most acidic joke game. On July 10, the tennis champion hosted the ESPY Awards at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. As is the case every year, the Pat Tillman Service Award is given to someone for good deeds done through sports. This award was created in honor of NFL player Pat Tillman, who left his sports career to enlist in the military after 9/11. He died in Afghanistan in 2004 when he was only 27 years old. This year, Serena Williams presented the award to none other than Prince Harry in recognition of her work with military personnel and veterans during the Invictus Games, which celebrated its 10th anniversary. While Meghan Markle accompanied her husband to the event, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had front-row seats to their friend and host of the evening’s performance. A speech that began by bashing the British royal family.
“Real Royalty”
“It’s not often that I find myself in a room full of real royalty, and tonight is no exception. Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let’s give them a round of applause,” announced Serena Williams. We can see this as the first sign of support for the Sussexes, who have lost some of their titles in 2021 after moving to the United States. “But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight,” the tennis star continued. Because it’s my night and I don’t want to be overshadowed by accusations that you’re taking too much oxygen, okay? And that’s it for the massacre.
Serena Williams, Meghan Markle’s friend since 2010, and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, even attended Meghan and Harry’s 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle. Since then, the tennis player has publicly expressed her support for Meghan Markle several times, particularly after the Sussexes left the United Kingdom. So there’s no doubt that this new announcement addresses the criticism Meghan and Harry are facing in England. Whatever the hidden meaning of these words, they seem to have pleased the Sussexes, who did not hesitate to applaud them with a smile.
Controversial winner
Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award that evening, but again this decision caused a stir. After the winner was announced, Mary Tillman, mother of Pat Tillman, said Daily Mail: “shocked that they chose such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award.” “There are receivers that are much more appropriate,” he added. There are people working in the veterans community who are doing amazing things to help veterans. These people do not have the money, resources, connections or privileges of Prince Harry. I think that these people should be recognized.”
During his acceptance speech, Prince Harry began by thanking Mary Tillman and addressed her criticism. “I would also like to thank the Tillman family, particularly Mrs Mary Tillman, Pat’s mother,” said the Duke of Sussex. His defense of Pat’s legacy is deeply personal, and I respect it. The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses. Perhaps a nod to his relationship with his mother, Lady Diana, who died in a car accident when he was 12.
Source: Le Figaro
