The Duchess of Cambridge made her first Wimbledon appearance today, at the quarter-finals of the beloved tennis championships.
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 was 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. Kate previously revealed the children have also taken up racquets and are developing an interest.
With increasing reports the Cambridge family are moving from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate (before eventually moving to Windsor Castle, per the Times), it's going to be a busy summer moving and changing schools for George and Charlotte, with Louis starting 'big school' too. It will mean the Cambridges are considerably closer to Kate's parents' home. They will keep their country home Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate -- likely for school holidays in particular. It has served as both their weekend and non-term time base for years. Indeed, it has been speculated the reason we haven't seen Kate at Wimbledon until now is the move.
Speaking of the Middleton family, Kate's parents were in attendance in the Royal Box today.
Michael and Carole also attended last Wednesday, with Carole wearing the Boden Square Neck Linen Jumpsuit.
James Middleton and his elegant wife Alizée attended last Thursday.
Let's take a brief look at the state of play for this year's tournament. 'Prince of Tennis' Roger Federer will not be taking to this grass this year due to knee surgery recovery. Following a return to action after injury, Rafa Nadal has been playing some of the best tennis of his career. 2022 has seen him win two Grand Slams -- the Australian Open and French Open. Will his success translate to the grass surface which he finds most challenging? In women's tennis, Tatjana Maria and Julie Niemeier, and Maria Bouzková and Ons Jabeur face off today.
You'll notice the absence of British names Andy Murray and Emma Radacanu. They both lost their second round matches last week, however Cameron Norrie made it to the quarters and played today.
Novak Djokovic competed in the quarter-finals today against Jannik Sinner, whom he overcame from two sets down.
The Duke and Duchess looked excited to see the courtside action first-hand.
Kate spotted her parents in the Royal Box.
William and Kate greeted David Walliams.
The Duchess noticed Tristram Hunt, director of her patronage the Victoria & Albert Museum in the Royal Box, too.
Kate blew a kiss to her parents.
Kate blows sweet kiss to her mum and dad as they all attend Wimbledon https://t.co/T6rOJ8XXrB pic.twitter.com/YoAapmEZon
— Pod Save The Queen podcast (@podsave) July 5, 2022
An overview of the Royal Box.
Sinner dominated the first leg of the match taking the first two sets with relative ease.
True to form, Djokovic came roaring back to take the match.
There were plenty of moments like this...
It's a joy to see world-class tennis taking place.
Since the pandemic, this has very much felt like a summer of truly returning to normality.
2022 is a very special year, marking the centenary of centre court.
'Where champions are born, and historic tales told.'
Where Champions are born, and historic tales told. The next 100 years, about to unfold.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 26, 2022
The stage awaits.#Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/wlrUcGm1g4
More from Wimbledon:
'2022 is a very special year for Wimbledon, marking 100 years since our move to Church Road, and the centenary of Centre Court, an unparalleled cathedral of sport.
This year’s Championships pays homage and celebrates Centre Court: an engineering marvel of a structure built in just nine months; its iconic status in tennis and wider in sport, and the drama and iconic moments that have unfolded over the last 100 years.
It is the centre of our Championships and a witness to change and evolution. It is a stage that inspires dreams and the next century starts now. We are looking forward to writing the next chapter of The Championships’ and Centre Court’s story.'
Jane Dismore shared this fascinating image from the opening of the 'new Wimbledon' in 1922. The Queen's grandfather King George V and Queen Mary were in attendance. Joe Little from Majesty Magazine also shared a report from the Times on the opening of Wimbledon a century ago.
Here's a p/card of the opening of the new #Wimbledon in 1922, by the Queen's grandfather, King George V (rather at a distance, with Queen Mary). #tennis #RoyalFamily #Royals https://t.co/IsN3XwJvO1 pic.twitter.com/eSKEK9soJj
— Jane Dismore (@JaneDismore) June 27, 2022
British player Randolph Lycett pictured at the 1922 tournament.
French tennis player Suzanne Lenglen who won 21 major titles, including six Wimbledon singles championships.
Suzanne's style offers a glimpse into the tennis fashion of the early 1920s.
To celebrate the centenary, the museum is hosting 'Centre Court: 100 Years of Change'. The exhibition explores the role that Centre Court has played as a witness to a period of considerable social and cultural progress, and the platform that the court and the Championships have provided for that change.
One of her several fun activities marking the occasion: Andy Murray takes on the Centre Court challenge.
On Sunday, a centenary celebration was held on Centre Court with the return of multiple champions including Roger Federer and Rod Laver -- considered two of the greatest players of all time, and two-time Wimbledon champion Stefan Edberg.
Andy Murray and Leyton Hewitt with Rod.
Bjorn Borg and Venus Williams take a selfie.
Angela Mortimer, Rafa Nadal and Stan Smith share a moment.
Venus takes a selfie with Marion Bartoli, Billie Jean King and Angelique Kerber.
From left to right; Angela Mortimer, Rafa Nadal, Stan Smith, Petra Kvitova, Ann Jones, Andy Murray, Jan Kodes, Margaret Court, Pat Cash, John Newcombe, Conchita Martinez, Chris Evert, Martina Hingis, Bjorn Borg, Leyton Hewitt, Rod Laver, Venus Williams, Mation Bartoli, Billie Jean King, Angelique Kerber, Novak Djokovic, Simona Halep, John McEnroe, Stefan Edberg and Roger Federer.
You can vote for your favourite Centre Court debut. From Billie Jean King to Coco Gauff, there's a list of unforgettable nominees. Click here to vote.
Kate wore the piece for a Jubilee Big Lunch event last month. Below, the Azure pleated embellished polka-dot silk crepe de chine midi dress.
Kate accessorised with her In2Design baroque pearls.
The Duchess carried her white Mulberry Amberley bag.
Kate sported her Finlay London Henrietta sunglasses in tortoise.
And completed the look with a gorgeous new pair of two-tone Alessandra Rich pumps. Middleton Maven noted Kate also owns the style in tan and black. Described as: "These pumps from Alessandra Rich are made from smooth suede with various straps for a secure fit. They have piercing pointed toes cut from polished patent leather." They are in stock at My Theresa.
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We have become accustomed to Kate's delightful portraits of her children over the years. A keen photographer and patron of the Royal Photographic Society, the Duchess was asked to capture portraits by the Duchess of Cornwall for her guest-editing role at Country Life magazine.
'The Duchess of Cambridge took our cover images at the request of our Guest Editor, The Duchess of Cornwall, and we could not be happier with the results — in fact, the set of images she took was so good that we struggled to choose only three, from which The Duchess of Cornwall made her final selection,’ says Country Life’s Managing and Features Editor, Paula Lester, who has worked closely with a small team from Clarence House for the past six months to pull together the souvenir 244-page issue, which marks The Duchess of Cornwall’s 75th birthday and celebrates her passion for the countryside.‘The Duchess of Cambridge took her commission very seriously and was incredibly professional about the task at hand,’ says Paula.‘She phoned me to discuss our requirements for the cover and subsequently composed a range of beautifully shot images.’
The image below was taken by Camilla's country dresser Shona Williams.
The Duchess of Cornwall, as photographed by The Duchess of Cambridge for Country Life https://t.co/KJD3O9pfCU pic.twitter.com/bia0jzOwx1
— Country Life (@Countrylifemag) July 5, 2022
'According to The Telegraph, when it came time to discuss the cover image, Country Life editor Mark Hedges asked Camilla if she had any thoughts.
"She immediately replied, 'Oh I'd quite like Catherine to do it,'" Hedges said.
"I spent the next three or four minutes desperately racking my brains trying to think of a professional photographer called Catherine.
"Then suddenly I grasped what she meant—one of the most amazing things that could happen," he continued.
"I found it one of the easier things to nod my head at."
In the behind-the-scenes photo, the Duchess is casually dressed in the Chloe Blazer she wore at the Natural History Museum last year (as photographed below).
The Veja Esplar sneakers she wore that day. They are available in several colours at Nordstrom.
I expect we should certainly see Kate for the Wimbledon finals this weekend.
A little predictable but very pretty. It's OK to be predictable when the look is so pretty. I though the last 2 years' outfits were much prettier but this is very nice. And she might appear again! I saw her photo of Camilla; it's such a good precedence to take family photos, especially of the children. Excellent way to control the situation and keep the subjects at ease.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've said before that I am not crazy about these Alessandra Rich polka-dot dresses, so I'll refrain from further comment on this one. On the other hand, I think the Duchess is wearing the AR shoes she paired with her Suzannah Flippy Wiggle Dress (love that name), and I do like those.
ReplyDeleteBut I really wanted to ask: what happened to the comments on the Meghan, Gloria, and the ERA post over in Mad About Meghan?
Hello Vittoria, unfortunately the comments were incredibly vitriolic and closing them on that particular post seemed the best option.
DeleteAh. Yes, probably the sanest solution.
DeletePeople Magazine speculating that Kate wore this dress as a nod to Wimbledon’s sustainability theme. If so, not sure about her opting for new shoes, especially since these are the same pair (different color) she wore 3 weeks ago at the Grendel Memorial. Also, she has several pairs of white heels (we saw her wear 3 on the recent Caribbean tour.)
ReplyDeleteDon’t get me wrong, I love the shoes, but just don’t think this outfit should be celebrated as an example of wardrobe sustainability.
Sustainable because she re-wore the dress? That's just a gossip magazine desperately stretching for something to say, if you ask me. She's re-worn a lot of things but not normally more than twice, which doesn't add up to real "sustainability."
DeleteTo be fair, royals are expected to appear in new items on a regular basis, not to re-wear clothes too often. If they did, the media would complain, even as they sometimes grouse about the cost (or unsustainability) of royal wardrobes.
Oof someone needs to do an Alessandra Rich intervention these dresses are not good. They’re frumpy and retro in all the wrong ways. All I ever get is 80s school teacher vibe. Kates style the past 5 or so years has just been a mystery to me. I realize not everyone needs to be a fashion icon but I do think public figures esp in royal roles need to be somewhat eye catching and dynamic. Image is a major part of the impression they make and how people perceive them. I think many other European royal women do this much better. Kate just never seems like she owns any look and rather she’s imitating what the royal family has always done or staying completely controversy free. I’d love to see her be a bit more daring and really clearly own and show off her own signature style.
ReplyDeleteNailed it Anonymous at 19:34. So true about 80s teacher retro vibe.
DeleteCan't help but smile, because I think this is clearly Kate's own signature style! :)
DeleteCatherine has certainly created many memorable style choices -- Bond & Top Gun! I applaud that in inflationary times she is rewearing many items. I also applaud that Catherine's focus is on the event (or charity) versus being a fashion icon. Plus, it is likely very comfortable for extending sitting. Who wants to sit in the heat in a tight skirt? Bravo!!!!!
DeleteI respectfully disagree. Kate has a very definite style and she completely owns it.
DeleteShe is not making fashion statements, she has excellent taste and is always elegant and neat. Also she always looks pretty. The latter is why I am interested in her clothes, this is a woman that dresses to look beautiful not to follow a trend. Also, as you point out, she is never controversial in her choices. Another token of elegance.
As for other royal families, just an example, Letizia wore the exact copy of a coat dress Kate has worn for decades to the Duke of Edinburgh memorial. And as I remember thinking at the time, no one wears a hat like Kate.
At least imitating the classic BRF fashion actually flatters her. But those dresses are just not working. They might for an uber cool 20 year old, but not if you are old enough to have lived in that decade. Love the sunglasses though.
DeleteI think the colors in this dress are beautiful. If Kate is comfortable in these dresses, good for her!
DeleteNatacha, completely agree! This is her style, she owns it, and she is always beautiful and elegantly turned out! Like your statement 'this is a woman that dresses to look beautiful not to follow a trend.".....well said.
DeleteWonderful that Kate and Wills made it to Wimbledon today. They watched two very exciting matches. I had guessed this dress might be one that Kate chose to wear. Perfect with the spectator pumps - I love the black patent leather toes. With tennis matches this good I can't understand why they aren't there every day (I've been watching and enjoying quite a few of the matches). I would love to see them bring Charlotte to the women's final match and George to the men's final match. William must have some happy memories of being there with Diana. Still hoping Kate will wear the yellow Roksanda dress she wore when landing in Jamaica on Saturday or Sunday.
ReplyDeleteLove that Kate photographed Camilla at her request. Must have been a lovely bonding experience. And I like the end result. Kate is uber talented - quite an artist in many ways.
Elle so well stated, the spectator pumps are perfect with the dress and so very glad to see this style in Kate's rotation! Hoping for a repeat of the yellow Roksanda as well, it's such a lovely dress. Also agree with you that Kate is really a true artist on many levels and think that she captured Camilla very well, love the composition of the cover shot! Love that there seems to be a mutual respect between the two duchesses.
DeleteWhat is Wimbledon with out the RF's visits. All the great Tennis Players on the Court and show how good they are, passed and present. The Royals give it a little more. Everybody wants to be seen there or close to them. Kate's dress is lovely, she must like polka dots? The picture she took of Camilla looks stunning.Great job Dss Kate. josebabe
ReplyDeleteI like this dress as the color is so pretty! It’s always a treat to see William and Catherine at these matches. :) what outstanding matches they were lucky to watch- wow! The 100 years of Centre court was so much fun to watch. Such legends of the sport & McEnroe wrote an article for The Big Issue.
ReplyDeleteLove that Kate took the photos of Camilla. Such a nice compliment for her.
Such a wonderful write up- thank you Charlotte. Sue
My goodness, I don’t know what I liked reading about the most in this post ! Thank you Charlotte for your hard work.
ReplyDeleteI think it is splendid that the Duchess was asked to photograph Camilla. Well done to her, wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteWhy don’t Kate’s parents sit next to her? It seems odd to go to the same event and be so close, but not together? I assume my way of thinking is very “common” and it just isn’t how it is done for royals.
ReplyDeleteI wondered the same thing! Here is the answer “ The Royal Box has been used for the entertainment of friends and guests of Wimbledon since 1922. The Royal Box has 74 seats. They are dark green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs. British and overseas Royal Families are invited as well as heads of government, people from the world of tennis, commercial partners, British armed forces, prominent media organisations, supporters of British tennis and other walks of life.
DeleteInvitations come from the Chairman of the All England Club, taking into account suggestions from members of The Championships’ Organising Committee, The Lawn Tennis Association and other relevant sources.
Guests are invited to the Clubhouse for lunch, tea and drinks at the end of the day.
Protocol - dress is smart, suits/jacket and tie, etc. Ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them. ” https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/about_wimbledon/royal_box.html
Has anyone been able to ID Alizée's earrings? She always looks so effortlessly elegant.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to see them enjoy some Wimbledon. And while I love when she wears white, this is a lovely dress.
ReplyDeleteI do have one negative, as someone who works in the Optical world, I really hate this style of sunglasses on Late. There are sao many other styles that would just look plain better on her face shape. She needs to raid Pippa's sunglasses, now THAT girl's sunglasses game is on point!
Wonderful that Kate and Wills made it to Wimbledon today. They look good together hmm the two matches are such enjoyable to watch love the duchess taking the photograph of duchess Cornwall hmm im sure the uber talented duchess is very much treasure in the circle
ReplyDeleteThank you wonderful coverage of WImbledon. CHeers
ReplyDeleteI watched the game too... too bad our player Sinner lost but it was an excellent game and you could tell Kate and William were closely following and enjoying it!
ReplyDeleteLovely look on Kate very pretty colour on her and I like the accessories. Very sweet her acknowledgement of her parents. I’ll look forward to her finals looks before we won’t see them for a while due to summer holidays and family time. Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteGreat to see them at Wimbledon! What a match Djokovic-Sinner! I'm sorry Sinner lost but he played well anyway. I'm pleased to see C&W really enjoying a full tennis-immersion-day.
ReplyDeleteAs for her dress, I'm not a fan of this color but she looks fabulous as always. She has been wearing polka dot a lot, lately...I remember a blue one, then a black one at P. Philip memorial service, then white at Ascot, and this one at the Jubilee party. She is definitely a fan! Can't wait to see her choice for the finals.. Maybe white or light purple? Let's see...
Hello! Does anyone know why she was wearing the tartan ribbon? I'm sure the answer is obvious, but I can't figure it out.
ReplyDeleteThe ribbon is in purple and green, the colors of the All England Lawn Tennis Association. Kate wears it every year because of her role as patron of the club. Women members wear the bow and men wear a purple-and-green diagonally striped tie.
DeleteThank you! I knew there was significance to it; I'm grateful for the knowledgeable followers (and writer!) of this blog!
DeleteWhat a lovely day for tennis. I'm glad the Cambridges are finally attending - been waiting for this. Again, Kate knows how to read the room. Spot on selection for this event, imo. I love the color and polka dots - cheerful! This is a gorgeous dress that we're able to get a closer look at this time around. Fabulous fit, flow, everything. It's appropriate for Wimbledon as it's casual yet chic. She looks fantastic. What stands out the most? William and Catherine's love for each other and their pleasure in each other's company. Thanks for an informative post!
ReplyDeleteCan we just have Charlotte interview Kate?
ReplyDeleteThen we can understand her clothing style and selections....
This dress isn't my favorite..