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Meghan Markle brought her sparkle as she made a surprise look at the 2024 ESPYs Awards.
On Thursday night, the Suits starlet and Duke of Sussex participated in the star-studded occasion at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, showcasing chic collaborating black-and-white clothing. The Duchess of Sussex, 42, looked glowing in an elegant white halter dress by Oscar de la Renta, matched with black strappy heels, while her partner used a black suit with a skinny silk tie.
Prince Harry, 39, was honored at the annual occasion with the distinguished Pat Tillman Award for Service, named for NFL legend and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Tillman was a security for the Arizona Cardinals who got in the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks. He was eliminated in Afghanistan in 2004 in a friendly fire occurrence.
Onstage, Harry acknowledged Tillmans mother, saying her “advocacy for Pats tradition is deeply individual,” and one that he respects. “The bond in between the mom and boy is eternal, and goes beyond even the biggest losses.”
” I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the countless veterans and service personnel from over 20 countries who have made the Invictus Games Foundation a reality,” he continued.
” This award belongs to them, not to me.”
If you just do one thing today, make sure you enjoy this profound speech. & #x 1f970; #ESPYS #ESPYS 24 #GoodKingHarry.
pic.twitter.com/Oqlx6AG05k.
— British Tabloids are Dementors (@ZandiSussex) July 12, 2024.
When the nominees were initially announced, there was backlash from fans and Pat Tillmans mother, Mary Tillman, who felt the Duke was not an ideal recipient for the award due to his existing fame and connections. She voiced to the Daily Mail, “I am shocked as to why they would select such a dissentious and controversial person to get the award.”.
” There are receivers that are much more fitting,” she continued. “There are people operating in the veteran community that are doing significant things to help veterans.”.
ESPN then reacted, “ESPN, with the assistance of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, specifically for the work of The Invictus Games Foundation as it celebrates its 10th year promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the globe.”.
” While we comprehend not everybody will concur with all honorees chosen for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does extraordinary work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth commemorating.”.
source.
Prince Harry, 39, was honored at the yearly occasion with the prominent Pat Tillman Award for Service, named for NFL legend and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman. Tillman was a safety for the Arizona Cardinals who employed in the U.S. Army after the 9/11 attacks. He was eliminated in Afghanistan in 2004 in a friendly fire event. If you only do one thing today, make sure you view this extensive speech. & #x 1f970; #ESPYS #ESPYS 24 #GoodKingHarry.