Prince Harry & Meghan Called 'Actual Royalty' As Duchess Shines At ESPYs Despite Low-Key Entrance

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, looked effortlessly beautiful at the 2024 ESPY Awards while supporting her husband, Prince Harry, who was honored with the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service.

Despite the royal couple's low-key entrance after skipping the main red carpet, the former actress still managed to grab the spotlight as she rocked a stunning dress identical to her wedding gown.

During the award ceremony, Prince Harry also shut down his detractors with a powerful speech that won the hearts of many online.

Meghan was her husband's biggest cheerleader during the 2024 ESPYs. He was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service due to his outstanding work as the founder of the Invictus Games and his time in the British Armed Forces.

The couple skipped the red carpet and were all smiles during the ceremony. Meghan, in particular, donned a stunning outfit that seemingly paid homage to her 2018 Stella McCartney wedding dress.

The Duchess of Sussex rocked an elegant white halterneck dress that showed minimal skin while highlighting her gorgeous figure. In usual Meghan fashion, the former actress went light with her make-up and jewelry while wearing her hair slicked back in a tight bun.

Harry, for his part, looked dapper in a black suit and tie for the glamorous award night.

During her opening monologue, tennis legend Serena Williams gave a sweet shoutout to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, with whom she is known to be good friends.

"It's well, actually only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty, and tonight is no exception," Williams stated. "Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let's give it up for them."

She continued, "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?"

Her humorous remarks were well received by the crowd, who responded with laughter.

Over on X, fans were full of praise for Harry and Meghan and also ESPY host Williams, who all looked stunning at the event.

One person noted, "Serena Williams, Prince Harry & Meghan Markle looking fab at the #ESPYS. Serena did a great job as host."

Another wrote, "Congratulations, Prince Harry, and thanks for your continued support for vets. Princess Meghan and Serena Williams look absolutely stunning tonight."

"The Duchess of Sussex is beautiful, geez," said a third person on X.

One more individual wrote, "Harry is his mother's son! A life of service! What an incredible man."

Harry has now become the seventh individual to be honored with the Pat Tillman Award. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who, like the late NFL player and soldier Pat Tillman, dedicated themselves to service and positively impacting the world.

The duke was awarded for his Invictus Games competition and military service, including two tours in Afghanistan.

On Thursday, the duke gave a very emotional speech, humbly dedicating the award to those who have made his international multi-sport event possible.

"I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality," Harry told the attendees. "This award belongs to them, not to me."

During his speech, Harry also addressed Pat Tillman's mother, who criticized his selection for the award.

He said, "I'd also like to acknowledge the Tillman family, especially Mrs. Mary Tillman, Pat's mother. Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is deeply personal and one that I respect."

"The bond between a mother and son is eternal and transcends even the greatest losses," he added, alluding to the sad loss of his late mother, Princess Diana.

The ESPY Awards came after it was revealed that Meghan was thrilled about her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. The Duchess of Sussex, 42, announced her business venture in March with an Instagram post hinting at its upcoming debut.

According to an insider, the brand's initial rollout is "off to a strong start," with over 100,000 people signing up on the website to receive updates on the first product launches.

"Meghan is very pleased with the early interest it has gained," the source told Us Weekly. "[She] is so excited to see how people enjoy her products and use them in their everyday lives."

Although the products are not yet available for purchase, Meghan has been engaging with a select group of celebrities by sending out samples.

In April, she sent jars of strawberry jam to some of her celebrity friends. Last month, professional polo player Nacho Figueras posted a picture of a pot of raspberry jam from Meghan's brand and a snap of his dog next to a jar of ARO dog treats.