Princess Kate’s latest Wimbledon appearances is part of royal tradition, with Andy Murray saying her presence still carries real meaning for players and fans.
The Associated Press reported that Kate was back at the tournament this year, meeting fans, helping at the ticket office and later sitting near Murray during a match.
Her July 11 trophy presentation continued the Wimbledon tradition Murray described, with the Princess of Wales handing the championship trophy to Noskova on Centre Court.
Kate Is Definitely A Tennis Fan
Murray told Hello!, according to People, that seeing members of the royal family at Wimbledon “means a lot” to players and tennis fans. “It’s part of the tradition of Wimbledon and the fans really like that, especially the overseas fans,” Murray said.
The retired British tennis star also pointed to Kate’s personal interest in the sport. He said she is “definitely a tennis fan,” plays some tennis herself and may also play padel, the racket sport that blends elements of tennis and squash.
Kate Watched Tennis With Murray Earlier in the Tournament
Kate and Murray shared a courtside moment on July 2 when they watched British player Katie Swan face Madison Keys on No. 1 Court. Murray told People it was a fun afternoon and said it was good to watch a British player together.
The ATP reported that Kate sat with Murray and former WTA player Anne Keothavong for Swan’s match against Keys. Murray, who retired in 2024, remains closely connected to Wimbledon after winning the tournament in 2013 and 2016.
AP reported that Kate had already spent time around the grounds that day, greeting fans in The Queue and meeting people who had lined up for same-day tickets. She also met children from Shine Camera Club, a local program supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Her Wimbledon Role Includes More Than Watching
Kate is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, giving her a formal role at Wimbledon as well as a familiar place in the tournament’s public image.
People reported that she attended the ladies’ singles final on July 11, wearing a red Roland Mouret dress and sitting in the Royal Box with her mother, Carole Middleton.
She later presented the Venus Rosewater Dish to Linda Noskova after the Czech player defeated Karolina Muchova in three sets to win her first Wimbledon title.
AP noted that in 2024, while recovering from cancer, she missed the women’s final but attended the men’s final.