Demonstrating the closeness and solidarity of their relationship, Meghan Markle supported her husband Prince Harry “by the scruff of the neck” after he was named the recipient of the Pat Tillman Merit Award at the ESPYs, royal reporter Jack Royston told the podcast “The Royal Report” podcast.

“She clapped for Harry and was in the audience. She could have stayed home and let Harry step into the fire, into the furnace, alone. But she chose to be there for her husband and risked her neck and her reputation so that Harry would not have to face an uncertain crowd alone.”

The July 11 ESPYs were hosted by Meghan's longtime friend Serena Williams, but Royston said that “it would have looked very strange if Meghan hadn't gone: 'One of my best friends is hosting and my husband is home collecting awards, It would have looked so out of place,” he said.

Royston added: “There was no neutral option for her, because she would have to think it would look deliberate to people. She had to choose whether to stand by Harry or to ditch him.” But, you know, from a PR standpoint and from a couple's health standpoint, I think it's very good that she chose to stand by Harry's side.”

One of the most outspoken critics of Harry receiving the Tillman Award was Tillman's own mother, Mary, who left her NFL career after the September 11, 2001 attacks to serve as a U.S. Army Ranger and died in Afghanistan in 2004 at age 27. Harry spoke about Mary on stage while accepting the award, which is named for Pat Tillman, who died in Afghanistan in 2004 at the age of 27.

“I want to thank the Tillman family, especially Pat's mother, Mrs. Mary Tillman. Her advocacy for Pat's legacy is personal and something I respect.” The bond between mother and child is eternal and transcends even the greatest of losses,” Harry said, recalling the loss of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997 when he was 12 years old.

“I stand here not as Prince Harry receiving the Pat Tillman Award, but as a representative of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and military personnel from over 20 countries who made the Invictus Games possible,” Harry said as Princess Meghan looked on proudly