The annual SB Awards, a glamorous celebration of athletic achievement, took an unexpected twist this year when Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, faced a chorus of boos from the audience.

What was supposed to be a night of honor quickly transformed into a moment of public disdain, underscoring the ongoing backlash against the couple since their departure from the British Royal Family in 2020.

Held on July 10 in Los Angeles, the 2024 ESBYS was designed to celebrate excellence in sports.

However, as Harry and Meghan approached the stage to present the award for Best Championship Performance, the atmosphere shifted dramatically.

Initially met with polite applause, the couple soon found themselves enveloped in a wave of jeers and shouts, with audience members urging them to leave.

“Go back to Britain!” one voice rang out, while another echoed the sentiment with, “We don’t want you here!”

The boos were relentless, echoing through the venue for nearly a full minute, leaving the couple visibly shaken.

Harry, usually exuding confidence, appeared unsettled, while Meghan, ever the composed figure, managed a tight smile as she announced the award winner.

Yet, the hostile reception had already cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment.

This incident is not an isolated event for the Sussexes.

During their controversial 2023 tour of the United States, they encountered similar hostility, with protests and hecklers greeting them at various stops.

Their decision to step back from royal duties and settle in California has alienated many supporters, both in Britain and the U.S., who view their actions as self-serving.

The fallout from the ESBY Awards did not take long to manifest online, as the moment quickly went viral.

Social media erupted with memes, commentary, and heated discussions about the couple’s treatment.

While some applauded the audience for expressing their discontent, others criticized the booing as excessive and unwarranted.

Buckingham Palace, maintaining its cautious approach to public relations regarding the Sussexes, issued a brief statement acknowledging the unfortunate incident but refrained from further comments.

Royal experts, however, were quick to analyze the implications of the booing, suggesting it could signal a significant shift in public perception of Harry and Meghan’s attempts to carve out a new identity.

Prominent royal commentator Nigel Farage remarked, “This is a clear sign that the public’s goodwill toward the Sussexes has all but dried up.” He pointed out that their past decisions have burned bridges, leading to the current backlash.

The couple’s recent Netflix docuseries, which provided an inside look at their royal exit, faced criticism for being overly self-indulgent and tone-deaf.

Moreover, Meghan’s recent political engagements, where she lobbied U.S. lawmakers on issues like paid family leave, have drawn ire from those who believe she is overstepping her boundaries.

Critics argue that these actions contribute to the growing animosity towards the couple.

On the flip side, supporters of the Sussexes have come to their defense, arguing that the booing reflects broader societal issues, particularly the tendency to vilify public figures, especially women, who challenge traditional norms.

Activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham stated, “This is just another example of the misogynistic and racist treatment Meghan has faced since joining the royal family.”

As the dust settles from the ESBY Awards incident, the Sussexes find themselves once again at the center of media scrutiny.

The questions surrounding their future loom large: Can they navigate through this growing public animosity and continue their pursuit of an independent life?

Or will the incessant boos force them to reconsider their path and possibly retreat back to the safety of royal life?

The drama surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan shows no signs of fading away.

With each public appearance, they seem to step deeper into a complex web of public opinion, personal ambition, and societal expectations.

The world watches closely, eager to see how this saga unfolds.