At the recent 2024 ESPY Awards, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle found themselves in an unexpected spotlight, but not for reasons they might have hoped.

The couple was met with a mixed reception, including boos from a segment of the audience during ESPN’s 32nd Annual Ceremony, which took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on July 11th.

Hosted by none other than Serena Williams, a close friend of the duo, the event took a surprising turn that left many talking.

Williams kicked off the evening with a playful nod to Harry and Meghan, declaring, “It’s not every day I get to share a room with actual royalty.” She then called for applause, saying, “Let’s give it up for them.” However, her light-hearted comment quickly shifted when she added, “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.” This attempt at humor didn’t quite land as intended, leading to an awkward atmosphere.

As the camera caught their reactions, it was clear that Meghan appeared displeased, likely feeling slighted by Williams’ failure to use any royal titles in her introduction.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry looked visibly uncomfortable, his smile absent as the audience’s enthusiasm waned.

When Williams referred to them as “actual royalty,” the crowd’s discontent became palpable, with boos echoing through the venue.

Interestingly, it was reported that the live broadcast may have attempted to mask the booing with an applause track, a common tactic in live television to smooth over any negative reactions.

Yet, the criticism didn’t stop with the immediate audience response; it extended into the broader public discourse about the couple’s post-royal life.

Since stepping back from royal duties in early 2020, Harry and Meghan have faced ongoing skepticism regarding their public appearances.

Many view them as seeking the limelight rather than embracing a life dedicated to service.

Their recent receipt of the Pat Tillman Award, which honors service and leadership, has sparked particular contention.

Critics argue that the Sussexes have strayed far from the values embodied by Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who sacrificed his sports career to serve in the military before losing his life in Afghanistan.

Some detractors have gone so far as to label Harry and Meghan as “selfish grifters,” suggesting they exploit every opportunity for self-promotion.

Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich weighed in on the situation, expressing doubts about Harry accepting the award amidst growing public backlash.

Speaking to Fox News, she highlighted the irony of his decision to accept the honor despite a petition urging ESPN to reconsider its choice.

Admiral Lord Allen West, a former head of the Royal Navy, also advised Harry to reflect deeply on his acceptance of the award, emphasizing that it doesn’t resonate well with military values.

His comments further fueled the ongoing criticism directed at the Sussexes, painting a picture of a couple increasingly out of touch with the sentiments of the public and military community.

Despite the backlash and scrutiny, it’s worth noting the long-standing friendship between Serena Williams and the Sussexes.

Their relationship began back at the 2010 Super Bowl, and Meghan fondly recalled their shared interests and ambitions in her blog, The Tig, back in 2014.

However, even such a strong friendship couldn’t insulate them from the harsh realities of public opinion at the ESPYs.

As the dust settles on the events of that night, it’s clear that the couple continues to navigate a complex landscape of fame and criticism.