Why People Believe Meghan Markle & Venus Williams’ Friendship Has Soured

Serena Williams gave a shout-out to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the 2024 ESPY Awards, confirming their strong friendship. However, there’s curiosity surrounding Markle’s relationship with Serena’s sister, Venus Williams. While Markle and Venus never seemed as close as Markle and Serena, fans believed they shared a friendly bond. In 2019, Markle and Venus were seen sitting one row apart at Wimbledon, cheering for Serena, and a memorable photo from the event showed Venus embracing Markle. Despite this, Venus and Markle’s relationship never appeared to match the closeness between the Duchess and Serena.

Intriguingly, a comment made by Serena about the Duchess of Sussex in 2020 sparked rumors. During an interview with Naomi Campbell, Serena dismissed a question about Markle’s move to the U.S., saying, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, don’t know nothing about that. Never seen it, never heard of her, don’t know her.” Despite Serena’s intention to respect Markle’s privacy, social media buzzed with speculation about a possible falling out. Now, fans have turned their attention to Markle’s relationship with Venus.

The 2024 ESPY Awards were mostly uneventful, with host Serena Williams and numerous celebrity appearances adding some excitement. One notable moment was the presentation of the Pat Tillman Award for Service to Prince Harry. While Venus Williams wasn’t among those vocally opposing Harry’s receipt of the award, some interpreted her initial decision to stay seated during his speech as a subtle gesture showing disdain for Meghan Markle.

One user tweeted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “Prince Harry accepted the Pat Tillman award at the ESPYs AGAINST the express wishes of the late American war hero’s mother. And he even mentioned her in his speech. No wonder Venus Williams stayed in her seat.” Another tweet theorized that Markle was using Harry to get on stage, prompting Venus to give an “epic side eye” and Markle a “fake smile.” However, the New York Post clarified that cameras did eventually show Venus standing up as Harry spoke.

Despite these interpretations, it’s essential to remember that people often spin narratives to fit their narratives.

Meghan Markle’s detractors often suggest that people she interacts with secretly dislike her. This narrative has found new fuel in the supposed tension between Markle and Venus Williams, despite the scant evidence. Some fans have even suggested that Venus and Markle are feuding over fashion. “Once again, not an original idea or thought… this bih copied Venus’ dress!!” tweeted one user, attaching a screenshot of Markle in a dress resembling one Venus wore in June 2024.

Rather than considering Markle’s dress choice as coincidence or a tribute, fans eagerly supported the theory of her stealing Venus’ look. One user tweeted, “Now it makes sense why Venus Williams was giving Meghan Markle the side eye … The Montecito Hunchback stole her look from 2 weeks earlier.” Another user claimed that Markle’s body language suggested jealousy. “No wonder #MeghanMarkle was double claw clutching Harry in his seat,” tweeted the user, attaching a screenshot of Venus allegedly glaring at Markle. “Venus Williams not only looks drop-dead gorgeous, but she also clearly has no time for Markle. All night there were side eyes & cold shoulders. It was amazing.”