Meghan Markle and All-Time BFF Serena Williams Hug It Out at the ESPY Awards Debunking Controversies in Style

Published 07/11/2024, 11:10 PM EDT

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has been no stranger to scrutiny and criticism since she entered the royal family. From her family dynamics to her choice of friends, the former actress has faced relentless media attention and public judgment. Despite boasting an A-list social circle and having high-profile connections on her speed dial, controversies surrounding her name have persisted forever. However, today marks a turning point with tennis legend Serena Williams at the rescue. 

As Meghan Markle and Prince Harry celebrate the Duke’s latest victory, it is clear that the duo has all the support, silencing their detractors and proving they are more than just a headline.

Meghan Markle and Serena Williams reconcile at the ESPY Awards

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As Prince Harry received the esteemed ESPY Pat Tillman award in Hollywood, California, in the face of naysayers his wife, Meghan Markle, made a defiant appearance, shrugging off controversies with a warm welcome from the crowd. Tennis legend Serena Williams embraced them with open arms and joined the duo. The tennis icon and former Hollywood star were seen hugging in all smiles, putting the rumors of their friendship turning sour to rest.  

The trio even posed for photos on the red carpet, with Markle and Williams striking a pose for an additional snap. Before Harry took the stage, Williams affectionately referred to the couple as "actual royalty," clarifying her stance on the royal family rift. While Prince Harry’s powerful speech was the highlight of the evening, Markle's rare appearance and acceptance was a resounding triumph for the couple.

Once a Regular to Her Wimbledon Matches, Why Did Meghan Markle Miss Out on Serena Williams’ Second Gender Reveal Party?

The link-up becomes all the more interesting as it is one of the firsts where two friends have gathered together following rounds of fallout speculations about them.

What was the rumored difference between Meghan Markle and Serena Williams?

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Reports had it that the retired athlete had rebuffed her royal friend declining Meghan Markle's invitation to join her and Prince Harry on their Canada trip. According to The News, Serena Williams politely refused the offer, leaving the Duchess of Sussex seemingly disappointed. The exact reasons behind Williams' decision remain unconfirmed, fueling speculation among royal watchers.

The tennis icon has been a vocal supporter of the Duchess, as their friendship dates back to the 2014 Super Bowl. However, the report has it that the reason for Williams' decline may be attributed to the former royals' desire to use a private family jet, which could be at odds with Williams' vocal advocacy for climate change. The snub was a surprise, given the longstanding friendship between Markle and Williams. However, the records are all put straight.

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“You can’t hide”- Serena Williams’ Massive Words of Support for Meghan Markle Before Life Took a Toll on the Duchess

What do you think of the recent highlight of the Sussex couple and their allies? Let us know in the comments below.

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Shraddha Suman

1810 articles

Shraddha Das is a Content Lead and the Sub Group Head at Netflix Junkie. Captivated by the power of storytelling and the written word at a young age, which led her to pursue a career in journalism at the Esteemed KIIT School of Journalism and Mass Communication, in Orissa. She has over 1500 articles to her name.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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