Venus appears unenthusiastic by award to Harry and Meghan Markle

Tennis icon Venus Williams appeared to give Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the cold shoulder at the ESPY Awards.

As Prince Harry was honoured with the Pat Tillman Award at the ceremony, a standing ovation rippled through the crowd. Yet tennis legend, Williams, seated right next to the Royal couple, remained firmly in her seat without offering a single clap as his name was announced.

The 39-year-old was celebrated for founding the Invictus Games, an initiative aimed at aiding injured and sick military personnel. However, the decision prompted plenty of backlash and caused a lot of controversy.

Accepting the accolade, Harry said: "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 Foundation a reality. This award belongs to them, not to me."

ESPN, who presented the award, highlighted that the honour came with the endorsement of the Tillman Foundation. The award acknowledged the decade-long efforts of the foundation in "promoting healing through the power of sport for military service members and veterans around the word".

ESPN also commented, "While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating."

Williams wasn't the only one left seemingly unimpressed by ESPN's choice to honour Prince Harry with an award. Social media was abuzz with critics who felt the accolade was misdirected, as one user emphatically stated: "If Venus didn't agree with Harry getting the award that was her right not to clap."

Mary Tillman, the mother of a previous award recipient, also voiced her concerns before the event, highlighting Prince Harry's privileged position in contrast to others in the veteran community who might be more deserving. She told the Daily Mail: "There are recipients that are far more fitting.

"Individuals are working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans," adding, "These individuals do not have the money, resources, connections or privilege that Prince Harry has. I feel that those types of individuals should be recognized."

Interestingly, Serena, good pals with both Harry and his wife Meghan Markle and often exchanges messages with them, hosted the ESPYs.

She appeared on stage with sister Venus during one part of the ceremony, where they called out NFL star Harrison Butker for his views on women.