The outing marks Kate's third appearance at the championships this year. In her role as patron, the Duchess enjoyed a day of tennis during the first round of the tournament and yesterday it was a girls' day out as Kate, Meghan and Pippa watched Simona Halep defeat Serena Williams to claim her first Wimbledon title.
As a lifelong tennis fan, it's incredibly fun to mix my love of the sport with following the royals. A match made in heaven (no pun intended) for this blogger.
An arrival video. Gill Brook compliments William and Kate on their very well coordinated looks.
Speaking in a 2017 documentary about Wimbledon, Kate recalled her own memories growing up. "I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up. I was really taken by Agassi and Sampras, Ivanisevic and Steffi Graf. Those are my first memories." She said she queued for hours to get into the tournament before joining the Royal Family, adding: "Being able to go into Wimbledon and be part of an amazing atmosphere is special. It inspires young people including myself. Every time Wimbledon is on I am thinking ‘Yes, I could do the same’ and get out the racket. Sadly, not the same results." Kate also revealed she asked her doctor if she could attend the 2013 Wimbledon final when she was eight months pregnant but he told her 'definitely not'. "I was very heavily pregnant. I wrote to him [Murray] afterwards saying sorry for not being there."
The Duke and Duchess met ballboys and ballgirls.
William and Kate arrive in The Royal Box.
Wimbledon is a staple on the Middleton family calendar. Mike, Carole, Pippa and James have already made several appearances this year.
Whilst Kate attended yesterday, George and Charlotte were spotted enjoying a family day out with their grandparents at Englefield Summer Fete. People reports: “They were having such fun going from stall to stall, playing on all the games,” an onlooker tells PEOPLE, adding: “George did pretty well at the ‘crockery smash’ stall. He looked very pleased with himself.” The royal siblings enjoyed several turns on the inflatable bouncy slides, exploring the small gathering as they held hands with Kate’s parents. “They were so cute, and Charlotte particularly was very friendly, politely saying hello to other children. George was running around, exactly like all the other children,“ says the onlooker.
Today, Carole, Pippa, James and his girlfriend Alizee Thevenet were cheering on Roger Federer. I do wonder if Mike Middleton might be on babysitting duty with Nanny Maria today :)
Carole selected a blue print Jaeger dress this afternoon (another great ID from whiz Laura from UFO No More). It's reduced to £85 at John Lewis and Pippa was in a pink print dress.
The Cambridges and the Middleton family are very close with Roger Federer and his wife Mirka. The tennis superstar and his family have visited Kensington Palace and Bucklebury on a number of occasions. Roger and Mirka attended Pippa's wedding in 2017. Indeed, Roger revealed he's been teaching Prince George a few tricks of the trade during a game in Bucklebury. He said George is "already good" adding, "At this age it's all about just touching the ball...same with my boys".
Guests in the royal box included Benedict Cumberbatch, Katherine Jenkins, the Kents and tennis royalty.
William and Kate chatting before the action got underway.
Ready for the final.
Following an epic semi final win against Rafa Nadal, Federer said he never thought he would be in this position at this stage of his career. "Not possible. It's not something you can ever really aim for, I don't think Rafa aimed for 12 French Opens. You aim for one, then two. Ahead of today's match he said. "I never expected to be playing in a Wimbledon final at almost 38. I feel really good. I remind myself I have one match left to go." He also discussed his first Wimbledon win sixteen years ago. "At that moment my career could have ended and I would have retired very happily." Little did the future Prince of tennis know he would continue to become one of the (if not the) greatest players of all time. Today he is fighting for his ninth singles Wimbledon title.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic returned to the iconic tournament this year in the hopes of securing his fifth win. Ahead of the match, he spoke about feeling as prepared as possible at the beginning. "If you're not feeling so well at the beginning, you don't start a match well, you're on the back foot because your opponent is feeling that he has a chance to dominate the play from the baseline." His appearance in the final follows his record 7th Australian Open win earlier this year.
An action packed first set filled with tense moments.
Yes, it was that kind of match..
Former tennis star Stan Smith gave Kate a signed sneaker for Prince Louis.
Following an epic five hours of tennis, Djokovic was victorious taking three sets.
For the first time, patron Kate presented the winners trophy.
Kate told Roger he was amazing...
...And congratulated Novak on a stunning victory.
Kate with Wimbledon President the Duke of Kent who passed the trophy presenting tradition to Kate today.
Speaking with officials before departing. What a day for the sport!
Wimbledon offers a spectacular array of fashion. Have you even seen more appropriate hats? Outstanding millinery and perfect for the final.
Afternoon tea is served.
Wimbledon shared a look at the All England Lawn Tennis Club under the slumber of darkness.
A quick refresher of Kate's Wimbledon looks this year; for her first appearance the Duchess chose the 1940s inspired Suzannah Wiggle dress. Styled with Gianvito Rossi Piper block heels, Catherine Zoraida earrings and a McQueen belt and bag.
Yesterday, Kate brought back her bottle green Dolce & Gabbana dress styled with her Sicily bag by the brand, Asprey London Oak Leaf earrings and Rupert Sanderson Malory pumps in nude.
Today, the Duchess chose a very pretty powder blue Emilia Wickstead Jordin dress. The £605 piece is described as: "A dress with a straight neckline, twisted strap detail and beautifully pleated skirt."
Laura identified Kate's gorgeous new shoes as the $80 Aldo Nicholes Bone Block Heel shoes.
Described as: "A 40's inspired stacked heel ankle strap pump, swathed in luxurious faux suede, brings a vintage touch to an indisputably must have for the modern girl." They are available in multiple colours on the Aldo website.
The Duchess wore her In2Design pearl earrings.
Kate completed the look with her Ray Ban Wayfarers.
And her UFO vintage clutch bag.
It was an epic day of tennis. Did you watch?
No comments:
Post a Comment