It's a Double Act as the Princess of Wales & the Prince of Tennis Take to Wimbledon

We have a surprise set of photos released for the Sunday papers from Kensington Palace tonight and it's an absolute treat if like me you adore tennis. Earlier this month, the Princess of Wales teamed up with the Prince of Tennis for a game at Wimbledon. As many of you will know, Roger announced his retirement last September and it's safe to say the championships will not be the same without him. He's not only one of the greatest players of all time, but a fantastic ambassador for the sport. With Kate's role as patron, it's a winning double(s) act :)

Kensington Palace shared this teaser earlier today, with a response from Roger Federer: "Count me in."

Of course, last September Kate and Roger were scheduled to join forces for a charitable collaboration supporting two of Kate's patronages: Action for Children and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). The Laver Cup Practice Day promised to be an exciting day out in support of very worthy causes, however it had to be shelved due to Queen Elizabeth II's passing.

Kate and the wider Middleton family are 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. Kate joked Carole has a bit of a crush on the tennis ace. Indeed, Roger revealed several years ago he had 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."

The pair appeared in a short film praising ball boys and girls and the important role they play throughout the tournament. Roger Federer was a ball boy 30 years ago -- aged just 12.

Hello! reports:

'In the film, which was recorded at Wimbledon in June, Her Royal Highness is seen visiting the All England Club with the tennis champ to meet returning and prospective BBGs and hear about their experiences in training for the role.

The film sees Kate take part in a doubles rally with Roger on the No.3 Court before she joins the BBGs on court to participate in a training session. Together, Kate, Roger and the BBGs discuss what it's like to be a BBG, the experience of going through the training programme and the lasting impacts of the skills learned.

Speaking during the film about the skills you learn during BBG training, Kate said: "Wimbledon is renowned for its amazingly professional Ball Boys and Ball Girls, the amount of work it takes, it's incredible to see it behind the scenes."'

In the film, Roger asks Kate: "Shall we play some, tennis?" With Kate replying: "I think you should start, Roger." There are some fantastic shots from the off, with Roger calling one "amazing".

People writes:

'The pair then duke it out for a few sets, before getting to see the ball boys and girls do a ball change.

One ball girl named Mollie even shows Kate how to stand on the sidelines of the court in position and throw back a tennis ball to a player with a straight arm. 

She and Federer then speak with the ball boys and girls. “When I’m watching the training, what should I be looking out for?" Kate asks one ball boy named Alex, who responds, “Mainly the discipline and the neatness.”'

The duo joined in training with the ball boys and girls. Kate told them: "Everything you've learned, you'll be able to take it into so many other parts of your life. Things like confidence and that feeling of pride with being on any of the courts is such a big moment." Roger added: "This is proper practice. I'm really impressed at how much effort and training goes into being a ball kid during the Championships." The world renowned champion smiled and replied: "Once a ball kid, always a ball kid."

 The Princess was ready for action in her Wimbledon Whites.

The Princess chose Wimbledon's £125 Full Zip Jacket and £55 Sleeveless Polo. 

Vogue reports:

'Never one to defy a dress code, Kate wore a white vest and tennis skirt for the occasion, her blown-out curls swept up into a high ponytail, with a subtle pair of gold hoops in her ears. Footage of the royal with this year’s BBGs will play throughout the tournament, highlighting their importance to the overall event’s success.'

It appears Kate sported a pair of Babolat Jet Mach 3 trainers (with thanks to Sarah Secret via Twitter). The French sports equipment company works closely with Wimbledon and produces a collection in honour of the annual tournament.  

Kate accessorised with her Orelia London Chain Huggie Hoops.

The countdown is officially on for the tournament which begins on 3rd of July. I'll leave you with this image of Kate and Roger from the 2019 Wimbledon final when she congratulated him on "amazing" performance. It wasn't to be on the day, but Roger continues to hold a record eight Wimbledon men's singles titles. He's an inspiration to aspiring tennis players both on and off the court. I hope to see these two teaming up again.