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On July 11th, Prince Harry traveled to California to accept the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2022 ESPYs ceremony. However, his appearance with wife Meghan Markle was met with a conspicuously cool reception according to eyewitnesses, underscoring the couple's ongoing struggle for acceptance in their adopted home.
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When Harry took to the stage to receive the award honoring military service and social work, onlookers reported the mood seemed "noticeably tense." Many attendees appeared to deliberately look away or give disapproving side-eyes, conveying skepticism about the accolade. It seemed clear to observers that respect cannot simply be attained, and Harry and Meghan's efforts to gain admiration through awards and recognition had failed to win over the audience.
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Meghan's behavior throughout was also closely scrutinized. She was seen desperately trying to latch onto Harry as he headed for the stage, apparently hoping he would bring her up with him. However, Harry notably did not acknowledge or gesture to his wife at all in his acceptance speech. This led to an awkward moment where Meghan's disappointment was evident before they soon left separately. Many believed she had expected to join Harry or even tell her own stories, which did not come to pass.
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Her attempts to insert herself where she was clearly not welcomed were seen as over-the-top and self-serving. The audience's collective disapproval was palpable, with one man in particular giving Meghan a very visible "stink eye." The disdain seemed aimed not just at her, but her reputation as an allegedly undeserving and fraudulent partner to Harry based on their previous controversies.
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Harry too appeared uneasy accepting the award, likely aware of criticism that it was undeserved given his background as a polo player who complains about his family rather than an true athlete or veteran like others honored. The presence of Pat Tillman's widow Mary, who received a standing ovation, highlighted where the audience's true respect lay. Harry benefited from associating with others' efforts and resources without having substantially earned the accolade himself in their view.
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Thus while Harry and Meghan may have hoped to build their brand and change perceptions through such appearances, the frosty response made clear such respect and admiration cannot be bought. Meghan's extreme attempts to insert herself into Harry's moment only served to further damage her reputation as insincere and desperate for attention. The ESPN event was another reminder of the challenges they continue facing in winning genuine public support in their new homeland.
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