The recent ESPY Awards in California brimmed with cheers and smiles, but a famous athlete’s stone-cold reaction to a fellow guest stole the spotlight.
Netizens speculated whether tennis legend Venus Williams had issues with Prince Harry after a video showed her reaction to him at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
An X user’s comment about Venus Williams’s reaction to Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards, posted in July 2024. | Source: x.com/05keeponsmiling
At the Dolby Theatre where the award took place, Venus, who sported straight black hair, wore a stunning green halter dress that highlighted her strong physique. She attended the event alongside her sister Serena Williams.
Venus Williams appears serious at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn
Serena turned heads in a red sequinned dress and blonde hair with a few strands framing her face. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the occasion in style.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Serena Williams attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Harry wore a sharp black suit and a buttoned white shirt, while his wife, Meghan, dazzled in an elegant white halter dress. The duchess’s hair was styled in a sleek low bun.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Beyond the glamorous evening, it highlighted Harry receiving the prestigious Pat Tillman Award. The hosts called the prince to come on stage to accept the award.
As soon as his name was announced, Meghan immediately stood up and enthusiastically applauded her husband. Her gesture sparked a standing ovation from many in the audience at the theatre.
Venus Williams watches Prince Harry walk up to the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn
However, Venus, who was seated next to the royal couple, remained seated, with a serious expression. The acclaimed tennis player simply watched Meghan support her husband, without joining in.
Meghan Markle applauds from the back as Prince Harry walks up the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn
Despite the event’s joyful atmosphere, Venus’s stoic demeanor caught the public’s attention. As a result, X, formerly Twitter, quickly lit up with reactions to the tennis star’s behavior.
Venus Williams gazes sideways as Meghan Markle applauds Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn
One user pointed out that you don’t need to be a royal fan to notice that Venus and her mother didn’t stand or applaud. Another found humor in the situation. This user wrote, “Harry must feel the disgust emanating from Venus. 😂”
Venus Williams watches Meghan Markle standing and applauding for Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn
The tension was palpable for some viewers. “They must have noticed that penetrative stare from Venus,” another assumed. “Venus’s body language speaks volumes,” an X user observed.
Venus Williams, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
More users’ comments ranged from supportive to critical. One expressed support for Venus’s actions, noting, “Loved seeing Venus giving Harry & Megsie the ‘side eye’….no standing ovation or clapping. Serena is another story [sic].”
“If Venus didn’t agree with Harry getting the award that was her right not to clap,” someone defended her. However, not all reactions were as forgiving. “Not only did she snub them, but she also looked pissed! #Montecito,” another tweeted.
Prince Harry accepts the Pat Tillman Award at the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Amid the netizens’ assumptions about Venus’s serious expression, the show remained heartwarming. In his acceptance speech, Prince Harry thanked the Pat Tillman Foundation for recognizing his efforts.
He also thanked the Tilman family, especially Pat’s mother, Mary. He dedicated the award to the veterans and service personnel involved in the Invictus Games. He also praised them, highlighting how the Games unite people and help them heal.
Despite today’s polarized world, Harry emphasized the importance of unity and mutual respect. He has promised that the Invictus Games Foundation will always support veterans.
Harry’s commitment to helping veterans through sports has earned him recognition. He served in the British military for ten years, with two tours in Afghanistan as an Apache helicopter pilot and a forward air controller.
Prince Harry gathered with other British troops for a Remembrance Sunday service at Kandahar Airfield in Kandahar, Afghanistan on November 9, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
After a decade in the military, Harry founded The Invictus Games Foundation in 2014. This group supports injured, wounded, and sick servicemen and women. It helps them navigate physical and invisible injuries. They also support those on active duty and veterans.
Since its inception, the Invictus Games have impacted lives worldwide. The Games now unite athletes from 23 nations, offering ongoing support and year-round programs. This global initiative continues to be a symbol of resilience and healing through the power of sports.
Prince Harry at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, England on May 7, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Harry co-founded the foundation with Sir Keith Mills, who gained fame as the organizer of the 2012 London Olympics. During a panel with Keith at London’s Honourable Artillery Company, Harry reflected on planning the 2014 Games.
Prince Harry and Sir Keith Mills at Jaguar Land Rover Engineering Centre in Gaydon, England on September 9, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
He admitted uncertainty about its potential success. The idea for The Invictus Games was born during Harry’s 2012 trip to the Department of Defense’s Warrior Games in the United States.
“Sport was the magic that I witnessed,” Harry recalled. Aside from sports, he saw the profound impact on wounded, injured, and sick service members and their families.
Prince Harry attends The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 8, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Recognizing the need for more support, Harry decided to expand on the Warrior Games model. Teaming up with Keith, the duo set out with a simple idea and a cup of tea. “We had this idea and not much else, frankly,” Keith said.
In the early months, they faced challenges: no name, funding, or staff. Yet, driven by their vision, this evolved into the Invictus Games. This becomes a source of hope and recovery for veterans worldwide.
Prince Harry attends The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, England on May 8, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Kate praised these honorees stating they have used their platforms to make the world more inclusive for marginalized and suffering communities. She also commended their incredible resilience, positivity, and perseverance.
Despite the serious mood at the awards night, highlighted by netizens who noticed Venus’s expression, the evening concluded on a heartwarming note.
