Meghan Markle shines in white gown, survives awkward Serena Williams joke at 2024 ESPYs

Markle looked radiant supporting her husband Prince Harry during his inspiring speech. They both braved Williams’ dud joke at their expense.

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex share a kiss after she presented him and his team with the champions trophy after a polo play at Grand Champions Polo in Wellington, Fla. / THOMAS CORDY/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA

It’s one thing to live under the celebrity microscope. It’s quite another to survive the glaring scrutiny that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have to endure on a daily basis.

So it’s always a big deal when the exiled royal couple decides to attend a public event, like they did for the 2024 ESPY Awards, where the Duke of Sussex received the Pat Tillman Award for Service. It also helps that Markle and this year’s host, the tennis GOAT Serena Williams, are close friends.

While Markle and Prince Harry avoided the red carpet, they were found backstage and in the audience, and the always fashionable Duchess of Sussex didn’t disappoint in a white halter gown.

Meghan Markle Is Radiant in a White Halter Gown at the 2024 ESPY Awards: https://t.co/B7i6QBrKC9 pic.twitter.com/WhLxW0t5hZ

— Marie Claire (@marieclaire) July 12, 2024

Serena Williams with Meghan Markle & Prince Harry at the ESPYS.

Old friends. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5KWyurS0gI

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 12, 2024

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex and Serena Williams 💕💕💕 pic.twitter.com/hPNuE3C0Gw

— Katerina 🇺🇦 (@Le__Katerina) July 12, 2024

Markle and Prince Harry also put on a brave face when her dear friend delivered an awkward joke that should have never the final cut.

🤣 🤣… Serena takes a dig at the dementors by telling Harry & Meghan she doesn’t want to be overshadowed by them simply breathing.😂#ESPYS #ESPYS24

pic.twitter.com/6tG5uoxwN0

— Zandi Sussex (@ZandiSussex) July 12, 2024

“This is my night,” Williams attempted to joke. “And I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen.”

Alrighty then. Markle nailed the faux laughter.

In all seriousness, this was a night to raise awareness for Prince Harry’s passionate calling, The Invictus Games.

Prince Harry is the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service.

The Duke of Sussex founded The Invictus Games, an international platform that supports wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women who are navigating both physical and invisible injuries. pic.twitter.com/M3F3Rmft4j

— ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2024

And his consequent speech was truly inspiring.

Prince Harry’s acceptance speech for the Patt Tillman Award for Service is worth 5 min of your time. There is no doubt that he is worthy of this award and no doubt that what he is doing is changing lives for the better. pic.twitter.com/bqUsM6lYZE

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 12, 2024

In the end, it was a great night for Markle and Prince Harry. Not even an ill-fated Williams zinger could ruin it.

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex arrive at Grand Champions Polo in Wellington, Fla., on April 12, 2024. Prince Harry will compete in the evening's match. / THOMAS CORDY/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA

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