Tennis legend Serena Williams has urged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to “try not to breathe too much” as she welcomed them to an award ceremony in Los Angeles.

Williams was the host of the glittering ESPY award ceremony, where Harry was to receive the Pat Tillman Award for Service for his work with the Invictus Games.

“It’s, well, actually only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty … and tonight is no exception. Prince Harry and Meghan are here,” Williams said to applause from the audience.

“But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight – because this is my night and I don’t want it to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen.”

Meghan wore a cream, high-neck gown, reportedly by LA brand Staud, paired with strappy sandals. Harry donned a navy suit.

ESPYS 2024: Meghan Markle, Serena Williams and Jennifer Garner lead the best-dressed

The tennis legend looked stunning as she hosted the prestigious sporting event pic.twitter.com/1rcY25NTuq

— NFT ERC404 Official (@SianChay1901) July 12, 2024

It was the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ first public appearance since their tour of Nigeria two months ago.

They skipped the red carpet and much of the audience realised they were in the theatre only with Williams’ shoutout in her opening monologue.

Harry, the younger son of the King, has weathered criticism and backlash after it was revealed he was to get the award.

ESPY stands for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly and the awards are run by ESPN Sports Network. Harry’s award is named in honour of former American footballer Pat Tillman, who gave up a lucrative career and enlisted in the military with his brother Kevin after the September 11 terror attacks in 2001.

He died in Iraq in an ambush while “providing cover for fellow soldiers” in Afghanistan in 2004. He was 27.

Tillman’s mother, Mary, was not consulted about Harry’s honour. She was among the critics of Harry’s award.

“I am shocked as to why they would select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award,” she said.

“There are recipients who are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community who 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.”

Congratulations to Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex on the Pat Tillman Award in recognition of the Invictus Games. Looking forward to sustaining and growing the Games’ continued positive impact in Vancouver and Whistler in 2025!#SharedJourney https://t.co/qkI4azMGQE

— Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 (@InvictusGames25) July 12, 2024

Harry has said he was inspired to create the Invictus Games while seeing the Warrior Games in Colorado on a 2013 tour of the US to promote the rehabilitation of wounded British and American soldiers.

In his acceptance speech, he said Thursday’s award was really for the veterans and service members behind the annual Invictus Games.

“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 said.

“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.”

ESPN has said the selection had the support of the Tillman Foundation [founded by Pat’s widow Marie], and was honouring the prince “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 world”.

“While we understand not everyone will agree with all honourees selected for any award, the Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work, and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating,” it said.