The Duchess of Cambridge made an unannounced appearance to the second day of the Wimbledon Championships and while the royal’s attendance wasn’t entirely unexpected – she’s known for her love of tennis and is the patron of Wimbledon – it was where she chose to sit on the day that really surprised spectators.
Wearing a chic custom designed shirt dress from Suzannah accessorised with a black Alexander McQueen belt and black suede heels, Catherine ditched the plush seats of the Royal Box, which is located at Centre Court to head down to a match at Court 14, one of the outer courts at Wimbledon.
Sitting between her two good friends Katie Boulter and Anne Keothavong in the general public seats, the Duchess was clearly having a great time, laughing and chatting with Katie and Anne and spectators while they watched the match between British wildcard Harriet Dart and Christina McHale.
Anne is a retired tennis pro while Katie wasn’t able to compete in Wimbledon this year due to an injury.
Kate also visited Aorangi Park to see the practice courts and warm-up area – the terrace is named after the London New Zealand Rugby Club grounds, which once stood on the site until 1981 – before eventually making her way to the Royal Box at Centre Court to watch the ladies’ singles match between last year’s champion Angelique Kerber and Tatijana Maria, and Roger Federer and Lloyd Harris’ match.
Sharing images from the day, Kensington Palace also revealed the Duchess met with British tennis star Andy Murray.
The Duchess of Cambridge has often talked about her love for the sport.
Last year while visiting a training session at a primary school in Mitcham, south London, Kate joked that she was less “sporty” now that she has children.
“I love tennis, I think it’s a great sport,” the Duchess told the children.
“I was really sporty when I was little, less so now that I’ve got lots of babies.”
While Kate made a solo appearance on Tuesday, with the tournament being two weeks long there’s high chances we’ll get another glimpse of Kate, along with some additional royal spectators, over the coming days.
Perhaps the Duchess of Sussex will make a surprise appearance to cheer on her close friend Serena Williams?
Last year she made her first joint appearance with her sister-in-law Kate to watch Serena take on Angelique Kerber in the grand final and we have our fingers crossed for another appearance by the duo this year.
While Meghan is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to Archie just seven weeks ago, her surprise appearances at Trooping the Colour and the Major League Baseball game at the weekend show she’s not opposed to getting out and about.
Tennis pro Serena has also been rumoured to be up for the role of one of baby Archie’s godparents, which we’ll find on this weekend, when the young royal is christened on July 6th – the exact day he turns two-months-old!