Duchess Kate in Navy & White for Wimbledon

The Duchess of Cambridge made her first Wimbledon appearance of 2021 today for an afternoon of courtside action and learning more about how facilities were put to good use during the pandemic.

After the championships were cancelled last year, there was an incredible buzz surround the tournament -- one of the central sporting events of the British summer calendar. The Duchess adores tennis and became Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in December 2016. Kate has attended several times per year whenever possible.

The entire Middleton family have a similar enthusiastic interest in tennis, with Kate once revealing Roger Federer is her mother's secret crush. Kate is also a keen amateur player. The Cambridges have a tennis court at their country home, Anmer Hall, where they enjoy a spot of friendly competition. 

The Duchess previously revealed George and Charlotte have already took it up --  and it won't be long until Louis joins his siblings.

Kate joined popular commentator and former Wimbledon semi-finalist Tim Henman and AELTC Chief Executive Sally Bolton for a match on one of the outer courts.

On Twitter, Kensington Palace hailed the opportunity to return to the "iconic grounds".

With the tournament having to be cancelled last year, it’s amazing to see fans and players back inside these iconic grounds. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/9bzeLjalKt

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 2, 2021

In pre-covid times, spectators from all over the world descended upon the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for a fortnight of unforgettable tennis.

320,000 glasses of Pimm's and 140,000 portions of English strawberries are consumed on average. Steeped in tradition, it's also the only tennis major played on grass, with players donning white, precisely as they did a century ago. It is the only Grand Slam tournament with a Royal Box.

This year, guests are required to show proof of Covid-19 status and wear face masks while moving around venue grounds.

Kate joined Executive Chef Adam Fargin in the grounds kitchen to hear how it has been used by the AELTC over the past year to prepare and distribute 200 daily hot meals for the local community in response to the pandemic.

The Duchess gets to work in the kitchen.

Of course, strawberries are on the menu. 

A video of Kate preparing afternoon tea.

And although last year didn't take place, the AELTC have continued to do incredible work within their local community. Through Wingfield Kitchen, they were able to provide 200 hot meals per day, for a whole year, to those in need. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/A38cmzs9Dv

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) July 2, 2021

Kate was excited to try the 'reaction station'.

She joked, "No one told me I should have worn trousers."

“No one told me about this. I should have worn my trousers” #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/JbfigFgTho

— Roya Nikkhah (@RoyaNikkhah) July 2, 2021

Hello! reports:

'She scored 24 in 30 seconds with the world record said to be 56.

Kate added: "The ones in the corners are really difficult. It is an amazing programme for coordination as it's got that lateral movement."

Kate's next port of call was the museum.

The Duchess viewed the Andy Murray portrait, by Maggi Hambling, which is on loan from her patronage the National Portrait Gallery. Kate said she "loves" it, adding "It has a lot of movement. It is very pretty. I like the concept of taking portraits back to the cities or home towns or here, it is such a good idea." Indeed, Kate will be cheering on Andy this evening as he competes in the third round. 

The Duchess admired awards and trophies. 

From there, the Duchess joined the Duke of Kent in the Royal Box.

The Duke has served as President since 1969.

The duo watched Ons Jabeur defeat Garbiñe Muguruza.

The Duchess was stylish in a summery navy and white ensemble.

Kate brought back her Smythe Duchess blazer. I saw a tweet from fellow blogger Carly noting it's been a decade sine the Duchess first publicly donned the piece ahead of the 2011 Canada tour. The one button wool blazer is available at ShopBop and Saks Fifth Avenue. 

Georgie's Mum via Twitter identified Kate's skirt as the Pleated Polka-Dot Silk Midi Skirt by Alessandra Rich. It's currently reduced from $1,030 to $618 at Net-A-Porter.

The piece is described:

'Alessandra Rich's Spring '21 'Euphoria' collection is inspired by the optimism and joy of dressing up, which is encapsulated so perfectly by this pleated skirt. It's made from fluid silk patterned with dainty polka dots and falls to a midi hem.'

A closer look at the pleated detail.

The Duchess carried Mulberry's Amberley Crossbody bag in white small classic grain. It's currently reduced from £675 to £472 on Mulberry's website.

Kate accessorised with her Simone Rocha pearl earrings.

Kate layered her Spells of Love Satellite Necklace with her Daniella Draper pendant.

And her Halcyon Days Maya bangle.

The Duchess sported her Wimbledon bow.

Kate wore her Amaia Kids face mask in 'blue phoebe'. 

We also saw Kate's Ray-Ban Youngster sunglasses.

Kate completed the look with a pair of white shoes.

As I publish this, I'm watching Andy Murray fight for a place in the fourth round. It's shaping up to be an excellent tournament.