At the recent 2024 ESPY Awards, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle experienced an unexpected and somewhat chilly reception from parts of the audience.

This incident unfolded during ESPN’s 32nd annual ceremony, which celebrates outstanding athletic achievements, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on July 11.

The event was hosted by none other than Serena Williams, a close friend of the couple, who made a special mention of them in her opening remarks.

Williams kicked off the evening with a lighthearted comment, saying, “It’s, well, actually only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty, and tonight is no exception.” She then called for applause for Harry and Meghan, but her playful tone quickly shifted.

“But 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, okay?”

While intended as a joke, Williams’ words didn’t land well with a segment of the audience.

Footage from the event captured the couple’s reactions, revealing Meghan’s visible displeasure, likely stemming from the absence of royal titles in her introduction.

Prince Harry, too, appeared uncomfortable, showing no signs of a smile as the camera panned across the crowd, which seemed less than enthusiastic, with only sparse applause.

The atmosphere turned more pointed when Williams referred to the couple as “actual royalty,” prompting noticeable boos from the audience.

Interestingly, it seemed that the live broadcast may have covered these boos with an applause track, a common technique used in television to maintain a positive vibe during events.

This attempt to mask the negativity raised eyebrows among viewers and commentators alike.

Criticism of Harry and Meghan at the ESPYs extended beyond the immediate audience reaction.

Many commentators and members of the public have expressed skepticism regarding their post-royal life and public appearances.

Since stepping back from royal duties in early 2020, the couple has faced accusations of seeking the limelight rather than genuinely living a life of service.

One major point of contention was their receipt of the Pat Tillman Award, which honors service and leadership.

Critics argue that Harry and Meghan have not embodied the values represented by Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who sacrificed his sports career to serve in the military and was tragically killed in Afghanistan.

Detractors have labeled them as selfish grifters, suggesting they turn every event into a platform for self-promotion.

Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich voiced her skepticism regarding Prince Harry accepting the award amidst significant public backlash.

In an interview with Fox News, she pointed out that his decision to accept the Pat Tillman Award, despite facing furious criticism, highlights how much his popularity has declined.

Additionally, Admiral Lord Alan West, a former head of the Royal Navy, advised Harry to reconsider his acceptance of the award, stating, “You ought to think very hard and long about accepting this particular award as it doesn’t sit well with many in the military.”

West emphasized that the award does not align with the values cherished by military personnel, further fueling the criticism directed at the Sussexes.

Despite this backlash, it’s worth noting that Serena Williams and the couple share a long-standing friendship, having first met at the 2010 Super Bowl.

Meghan even reflected on their bond in a blog post for The Tig in 2014, highlighting their shared interests and ambitions.