Duchess Meghan makes surprise appearance to support Prince Harry at ESPY Awards
Duchess Meghan made a surprise appearance at Thursday night's ESPY Awards to support husband Prince Harry from the front row as he received the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
The Duke of Sussex was honored this year for creating The Invictus Games, a sporting event for active duty and veteran service members who have been wounded, injured or sick on the job. The event recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in London, and the royal couple visited Abuja, Nigeria, in May to mark the occasion.
Meghan's longtime friend and the show's host, tennis legend Serena Williams, called out the couple during her opening monologue.
"It's, well, actually only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty, and tonight is no exception," Williams said. "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?"
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Harry, who served in the British Armed Forces for 10 years, was visibly emotional going on the ESPYs stage. He said it was a great honor to highlight all the participating athletes in The Invictus Games and reminded attendees of the struggles military personnel face in and after their service.
Prince Harry thanks Pat Tillman's family in acceptance speech
In his acceptance speech, Harry said the award was not for him but for the veterans and service members who make the Invictus Games happen every year.
After making sure U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Israel "DT" Del Toro Jr., U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Elizabeth Marks and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Kirstie Ennis remained on stage after presenting the award, Harry acknowledged "the Tillman family, especially Mary Tillman, Pat's mother."
He said, "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.
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"The truth is 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. This award belongs to them, not to me."
He continued, "That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this in front of people like you. Moments like these help us reach those that need Invictus the most and reduce more than 20 veterans a day taking their own lives in this country alone."
The ESPYs, taking place at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre, awards athletes and teams across the world and also recognizes inspiring and courageous athletes with honors such as the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, the Pat Tillman Award for Service and the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.
Contributing: Jordan Mendoza