The Duchess of Sussex, 42, put on a radiant display at Thursday’s night’s awards ceremony, where she proudly watched on as her husband accepted the prestigious Pat Tillman Award for Service, an honor that has sparked furious backlash and controversy.
But despite skipping the award show’s red carpet amid the scandal, Harry, 39, and Meghan looked every inch the cool Hollywood couple as they attended the ceremony, happily beaming for the cameras as they received a shoutout from their close pal Serena Williams.
And while all eyes were on Harry and his award acceptance, royal watchers were also abuzz with another hot topic on social media: Meghan’s glamorous halterneck gown and the uncanny similarities between it and her 2018 reception dress.
To the naked eye, the two designs look almost identical: both feature a high-neck halter top and a long flowing skirt – although Meghan’s choice of dress for the ESPYs had draped fabric around the neck, while her Stella McCartney wedding gown was more closely fitted.
Still, fans could not help but draw comparisons between the two, with one X user remarking: ‘That style dress is timeless on Meghan – it’s giving her wedding reception vibes.’
Another added: ‘She loves monochrome! [The dress] reminds me of her second wedding dress.’
Unlike at the couple’s wedding reception, where Meghan wore her hair in a loose low bun with several wavy tresses framing her face, the Duchess opted to put her tanned shoulders on full display at the ESPYs by slicking back her locks in a chic low bun.
She kept her makeup natural, donning some peachy blush on her cheeks, layers of mascara, and some smokey eyeshadow.
Meghan opted for limited accessories, wearing a pair of diamond stud earrings, her beloved $7,350 gold Cartier Love Bracelet, her wedding and engagement ring, and a large gold and diamond ring on her other hand.
Was Meghan Markle’s dress appropriate for the ESPYs?
In place of bridal white heels, the mother-of-two chose a pair of strappy black heels, revealing her pale pink pedicure, which matched the same neutral shade she wore on her nails.
Although Meghan and Harry chose to skip the red carpet amid the bitter uproar over his award, the Duchess did get the opportunity to show off her dress in front of the cameras after her husband’s appearance on stage when she posed for photos with Serena backstage at the event.
The two women, who first met at a Super Bowl party back in 2010, were seen embracing one another, before turning to face the cameras for photos, even posing for a few snaps with Harry.
Meanwhile, images taken inside the awards ceremony showed Meghan sitting alongside her husband, beaming with pride while resting her hand on his knee.
When Harry’s award win was announced, Meghan rose out of her seat to give her husband a standing ovation, proudly clapping in his honor as he made his way up onto the stage.
The award, which was named after the iconic NFL player who gave up his lucrative career to enlist in the army in the wake of 9/11 before his death in Afghanistan in 2004, has sparked a bitter controversy, with critics arguing that the honor is meant to be given to unsung veterans.
Tillman’s own mother Mary revealed to DailyMail.com last month that she was ‘shocked’ that the ESPYs would ‘select such a controversial and divisive individual to receive the award’, adding that she was not consulted over the decision.
‘There are recipients that are far more fitting. There are individuals working in the veteran community that are doing tremendous things to assist veterans,’ she said.
‘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.’
The latest backlash began almost straight after ESPN announced on June 27 that Harry would be given the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
A petition to urge ESPN to reassess its decision boasted almost 68,000 signatures in ten days.
It said: ‘Pat Tillman exemplified duty, honor, and sacrifice.’
‘He gave up his successful NFL career to serve his country after the 9/11 attacks, and tragically lost his life during his service. Awarding this honor to someone who does not reflect the award’s intent diminishes its value and disrespects Tillman’s memory.’
In a statement, ESPN, which runs the ESPYs, stood by its decision, noting that it was honoring Harry for the work he has done for veterans through his Invictus Games.
‘ESPN, with the support of the Tillman Foundation, is honoring Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, 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,’ the statement said.
‘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.’
