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Meghan Markle was not welcomed as a guest of honor at the 2022 ESPY Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. While Prince Harry received an award for his work with veterans, many saw Meghan as an attention-seeking plus-one rather than a true contributor in her own right.
I always remember at awards events in the past, it was made clear that attendees should show respect for all winners and nominees by staying for the full ceremony. Rushing off right after collecting your own trophy is seen as rude, ignoring the achievements of others. But Harry and Meghan seemed intent on proving they don't follow normal etiquette.
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As soon as Harry finished his brief acceptance speech, the couple sprang up from their seats and hastily made their exit while another speaker was still on stage. Murmurs and boos rose from the audience, who clearly felt offended by the bold disruption. Shouts of "She's no Princess of Wales!" could be heard echoing in the theater as Meghan hustled away.
Some thought this outburst directly referenced Meghan's constant comparisons to Harry's late mother Diana, and her persistent efforts to portray herself as the next People's Princess regardless of not being royal born. Others speculated it was a dig at Kate Middleton, the actual Princess of Wales by marriage. Either way, the message was received - this American divorcée would never gain full acceptance.
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The event host only added to the tension when, while introducing Harry's award, he quipped "I'll pass the mic down to her." This sly jab clearly suggested Meghan would demand airtime to soapbox if given half a chance. She had surely twisted arms behind the scenes lobbying for some platform, only to be shot down publicly. Their hasty exit afterwards speaks volumes.
Their rude departure overshadowed any discussion of the merits of the award itself. The next day, media coverage glossed over the unwelcoming atmosphere and drama, instead fawning over how "wonderful" Harry's brief remarks had been. It was a stark contrast to past controversies that received blunt honesty, like when legendary director Elia Kazan's award in 1999 split audience reaction down the middle.
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There are many athletes at the ESPYs who may never stand on that stage again in their careers. For Harry and Meghan to treat the ceremony as just another PR opportunity, disrespecting competitors still grinding away, shows their sense of entitlement knows no limits. Their arrogance remains even after widespread condemnation of Harry even receiving the award to begin with.
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One can only imagine the tense conversations in the car on the way home afterwards. While their antics grab attention, it only serves to further chip away at any remaining public goodwill. Eventually the well of sympathy for their imagined slights will run completely dry. Then where will their relevance be if not as working royals, just Hollywood hanger-ons desperate to stay in the headlines by any means? Only time will tell how much lower their star can fall.
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