Venus Williams seemed to snub Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with a chilly reception at the ESPY Awards.
During the prestigious event, as Prince Harry was recognised with the Pat Tillman Award, applause swept through the audience. However, Williams, who was seated beside the Royal pair, stayed seated and refrained from clapping when his name was called out.
The 39-year-old prince was lauded for establishing the Invictus Games, which supports injured and ill military personnel. Despite this, the award sparked considerable debate and stirred up a storm of controversy.
In his acceptance speech, Harry declared: "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 Foundation a reality. This award belongs to them, not to me."
ESPN, the broadcaster behind the award, underscored that the Tillman Foundation endorsed the accolade. The award recognises the foundation's ten years of dedication to "promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the word".
ESPN further stated: "While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."
Williams wasn't the only one seemingly unimpressed by ESPN's decision to honour Prince Harry with an award.
The social media sphere was alive with critics who felt the accolade was misplaced, as one user passionately declared: "If Venus didn't agree with Harry getting the award that was her right not to clap."
Mary Tillman, mother of a previous award recipient, also expressed her concerns prior to the event.
She pointed out Prince Harry's privileged status compared to others in the veteran community who might be more deserving. She told the Daily Mail: "There are recipients that are far more fitting.
"There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans. These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognised."
Interestingly, Serena Williams, who is close friends with both Harry and his wife Meghan Markle and often exchanges messages with them, hosted the ESPYs.
She appeared on stage with sister Venus during one segment of the ceremony, where they criticised NFL star Harrison Butker for his views on women.
