Observers Were Stunned by Venus Williams’ Behavior When Prince Harry Took the Stage at the ESPYs

The recent ESPY Awards in California brimmed with cheers and smiles, but a famous athlete’s stone-cold reaction to a fellow guest stole the spotlight.

Netizens speculated whether tennis legend Venus Williams had issues with Prince Harry after a video showed her reaction to him at the 2024 ESPY Awards.

An X user's comment about Venus Williams's reaction to Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards, posted in July 2024. | Source: x.com/05keeponsmiling

An X user’s comment about Venus Williams’s reaction to Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards, posted in July 2024. | Source: x.com/05keeponsmiling

At the Dolby Theatre where the award took place, Venus, who sported straight black hair, wore a stunning green halter dress that highlighted her strong physique. She attended the event alongside her sister Serena Williams.

Venus Williams appears serious at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Venus Williams appears serious at the 2024 ESPY Awards on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Serena turned heads in a red sequinned dress and blonde hair with a few strands framing her face. Meanwhile, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended the occasion in style.

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Serena Williams attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024.  | Source: Getty Images

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Serena Williams attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Harry wore a sharp black suit and a buttoned white shirt, while his wife, Meghan, dazzled in an elegant white halter dress. The duchess’s hair was styled in a sleek low bun.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on July 11, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

Beyond the glamorous evening, it highlighted Harry receiving the prestigious Pat Tillman Award. The hosts called the prince to come on stage to accept the award.

As soon as his name was announced, Meghan immediately stood up and enthusiastically applauded her husband. Her gesture sparked a standing ovation from many in the audience at the theatre.

Venus Williams watches Prince Harry walk up to the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Venus Williams watches Prince Harry walk up to the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

However, Venus, who was seated next to the royal couple, remained seated, with a serious expression. The acclaimed tennis player simply watched Meghan support her husband, without joining in.

Meghan Markle applauds from the back as Prince Harry walks up the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Meghan Markle applauds from the back as Prince Harry walks up the stage to accept the Pat Tillman Award on July 11, 2024. | Source: YouTube/espn

Despite the event’s joyful atmosphere, Venus’s stoic demeanor caught the public’s attention. As a result, X, formerly Twitter, quickly lit up with reactions to the tennis star’s behavior.