The Princess of Wales made her first appearance of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships where she cheered on upcoming British talent and reunited with tennis royalty.
July is getting off to an exciting start, with today's Wimbledon appearance promising to be the first of several. Tomorrow, the Waleses will join the King and Queen in Edinburgh for a special service to mark the Coronation at St Giles' Cathedral. On Thursday, Prince William will play in the Out-Sourcing Inc. Royal Charity Polo Cup 2023 at Guards Polo Club, and will be joined by Kate to meet charity representatives.
The Princess was warmly welcomed by All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC) vice-chair, Deborah Jevans.
Kate chatted with British stars Emma Raducanu and Laura Robson.
As Kate arrived, a little girl named Camilla was heard calling "Hi Kate" several times. The Princess went over to say "hello".
It turns out the Princess was talking to the family of Mexican tennis player Santiago González. His wife Lisette told her: "I hope you get a chance to see him play." Kate promised "to keep a look out".
The Princess met ball boys and ball girls.
And had the opportunity to thank volunteers and team members.
The Princess' next port of call was Court 18 where British No. 1 Katie Boulter went toe-to-toe with Australian Daria Saville. Wimbledon noted Katie's boyfriend, Aussie tennis player Alex de Minaur, is close friends with Daria's husband Luke. De Minaur simply said, "May the best woman win."
More from Leicester Mercury:
'Boulter, who is from Woodhouse Eaves, near Loughborough, was taking part in her first round match at SW-19 when she and the rest of court 18 were treated to the arrival of a right royal spectator, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. Kate is the patron of the Lawn Tennis Association and regularly attends Wimbledon to cheer on hopefuls, with much anticipation for Boulter’s chances as she is the current British number one.'
The game was temporarily suspended due to the rain.
Daria was edging toward the first set with a 6-5 score.
From there, the Princess headed to Centre Court.
The Princess arriving in the Royal Box with AELTC chairman, Ian Hewitt.
There was a great surprise in store with a special guest in the Royal Box in the form of arguably the greatest grass court player ever.
Who better to welcome the newly retired Prince of Tennis than the Princess of Wales?
Not only does Roger hold a record eight championships in the men's singles category at Wimbledon, he is an exemplary sportsman with a legacy as a player of integrity and two decades of displaying sheer class on and off the court. He is an incredible advocate for tennis and I wouldn't be at all surprised if a formal role is in the offing.
Roger was joined by his wife Mirka Federer, who looked elegant in a Zimmerman outfit.
It comes just a week after the release of video featuring Kate and Roger celebrating ball boys and girls. They do make a good double act! Catch up on that post here.
They watched defending champion Elena Rybakina take on Shelby Rogers.
After dropping the first set, Rybakina stormed through to the second round.
Afterwards, Kate had the opportunity to see the indefatigable Andy Murray back in action on Centre Court.
Andy faced fellow Brit, Ryan Peniston.
It was a must-watch return for Andy, who displayed stunning shots before winning in straight sets. Come on, Andy!
Andy acknowledged "royalty" and "tennis royalty" in attendance.
Tennis Royalty watching on 👑@andy_murray and @rogerfederer share a wholesome exchange on Centre Court#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/X1U5XHh0U5
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2023
When I first saw photos of Kate arriving, I presumed her blazer was a vintage piece. With thanks to eagle-eyed fashion sleuths Gabi and Kate Middleton Style, it is in fact a past season Balmain piece.
A closer look at the pistachio and white crepe, double-breasted style.
The blazer remains available at The Outnet here (with thanks to Middleton Maven).
Kate wore her white leather Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps.
And carried her Mulberry Amberley bag.
Kate accessorised with her SHYLA pearls.
And sold-out Sézane cuff.
Tomorrow should be a fascinating day in Scotland.
A very Happy 4th July to our readers across the pond :)
Fresh summery look and very appropriate. It would be improved by removing the top two buttons.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am not a fan of these 80s blazers that she seems to favour so much! Interestingly, I read that the tournament sponsor Evian asked guests to be eco-conscious by rewearing clothing, so while this may be the first time Kate's worn this publicly it must have been in her closet for awhile.
ReplyDeleteAgree! I don't want to see anymore 80s' blazers! Zofia
DeleteFinally! She’s wearing a bracelet!
ReplyDeleteI love the Balmain blazer on Kate. Love Balmain and Olivier Rousteing (creative director) is a very talented designer. Hope Kate wares more Balmain in the future. She’ll look sophisticated in the many edgy designs from the brand.
ReplyDeleteI love the look; it's just my own style -- very slim, sophisticated, and minimalist. I'll have to break out my white pleated skirt and a summer blazer. I don't have one quite that mint color, but I am suddenly inspired to see whether I can find one!
ReplyDeleteMy one quibble is that I don't love the white trim and buttons on the blazer. I'd prefer that the jacket be one color only. Otherwise, I think the Princess looks terrific for tennis, and I don't even mind the white pumps. Well, not very much.
Happy 4th to my fellow Americans, citizens of what a British friend of mine likes to call "The Colony that Got Away". But perhaps even you British think that the irritating little event known as the American War for Independence worked out all right in the end.
Right?
Vittoria, & I feel the exact opposite!! LOL :) I don't think I've Ever found a color that doesn't do Kate any favors!? Plus I love mint! However, if I'm honest.... I literally was taken aback, when I first saw the photo & actually winced.
DeleteHappy 4th of July 🇺🇸 From Ireland 🇮🇪. I hope you had a lovely day. We are only independent 101 years and don't really celebrate it here. Not like all the fun ye have in the states. S.🙂.
DeleteBecca, I winced too, I thought this was Kate's worst look ever. However, reading your comment Vittoria, as you are so knowledgeable about fashion, I thought well, if you like it, it can't be that bad after all!
DeleteI've come back today 7/6 & was finally able to look at the whole post, including all the additional photos (as opposed to just the "First Look") & now I Loooove her in this outfit!! LOL Well... they say it's a woman's prerogative to change her mine!? :) LOL
DeleteI agree with you about removing the top two buttons.Other than that, I love this ensemble and the white shoes 😊
ReplyDeleteOh boy. I agree. That placement is quite awkward.
ReplyDeleteAnnie
NY, USA
Yes once I looked at it again! Top 2 buttons need to go LOL
DeleteInterestingly, I didn't notice anything awkward when I first read the post. It was only after reading the comments about the awkwardness that I started to think: OK, this is probably not the best placement... 🤔 I'm not a huge fan of the outfit but I don't mind it either. I find this hue of green more appealing than many others - perhaps it's because I like the pistachio ice cream! 😉Zora from Prague
DeleteLet’s just hope we will never see this Blazer again. Everything looks bad. The colour. The mix with white. The big buttons. The cut. The combination with the skirt. It’s a huge miss. That’s miles away from her past Wimbledon outings.
ReplyDeleteShe could get away with wearing it as a blazer jacket. Open, arms pushed up and with jeans and a white shirt/blouse. Have fun with the piece and its jarring 80s vibe, not taking it too seriously. But even then, those bright pastels don’t really flatter her. Softer (pale yellow) or more muted pastels work much better.
I am schocketh at this look. I really can’t put it any other way.
C.
Exactly, my thoughts, Dear C!
DeleteI am not a fan either. The proportions of the coat do not work on her and especially with the pleated skirt. The color is not good, I think very few pastels look good on her, but not this green, at least in the photos. The white shoes I would say good bye to for ever along with the white purse. She looked like she was having a lovely time. Ali
DeleteI don't get it--I think she looks fantastic & v. Diana-ish. 🤷♀️
DeleteThe jacket is full on ‘80s! I think an all white jacket would be more modern and sophisticated. I didn’t notice the top button placement until I read the comments and now I can’t unsee the unfortunate placement!
ReplyDeleteTerrible button placement, Yikes. The whole look is a miss for me. I so dislike white pumps. I think the proportions of this outfit are off too - each piece just looks too overly long, like a little girl waded into her Mum’s closet. The blazer’s proportions might have worked better with long white slacks, or the skirt with a peplum top (although generally I dislike peplum tops about as much as I dislike white pumps, but Kate can carry them off on her frame.) I also don’t think this minty green is very flattering on Kate.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, Wimbledon Kate always looks like she’s really in her element.
This is one of the worst outfits I have seen on her in quite a while. I can't believe how much this blazer cost. The whole look gives me 80s vibes and she looks extremly matronly in it.
ReplyDeleteI hope this is the year that Kate brings Charlotte to a match. Would be such fun to see a Mum & Daughter outing.
ReplyDeleteGoodness me what a strange jacket - the shoulders look so wide . It has to me a bad 80s vibe. I’m amazed the designer put the top buttons where they are and Kate didn’t see what a bad placement they were .
ReplyDeleteI see it’s an old collection so presumably bought a while ago not sure why she decided it was a good jacket .
I’m also confused with the obsession with the white stilettos - I just think they are very tacky .
Really hope for rewears on the rest of her trips to Wimbledon this year . TG
I love the wide shoulders! I own some vintage pieces from the 80s, and in this day and age, with wide shoulders very much back in vogue (see Yves Saint Laurent's fall collection, among others), they're both a lot of fun and on trend. In fact, I have my eyes open for a good black or pinstriped blazer with strong shoulders, since I didn't keep my 80s versions. Designs like that have a couture look even if they're just ready-to-wear items.
DeleteI agree with every word. Wise words from a Lady who knows fashion and trends very well. Perfection as far as I am concerned. S.🙂.
DeleteSimple and beautiful! I love the blazer with the white trim and buttons....kinda a different look for her. Annette, US
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the first pictures I thought she looked completely disguised. why does she look like the like lady diana. when i saw more pics i thought ok the colors match the background. but all in all lately i've got the impression her stylist is trying to recreate the queen or lady diana in her fashion but it's not working for kate she is beautifully athletic and her hair is a dream. I'd rather see them modern. as a power woman with children and an important role like Mary of Denmark or Queen Maxima. What I don't like at all are the white shoes. often it works because a summer dress and white shoes go together but honestly I would rather mourn her minimalist fashion with modern twist.
ReplyDeleteI agree 19:25 lately it seems like all she wears are blazers. Overall I liked her style much better a couple years ago.
DeleteI like her look today. Perfect for tennis. Nice shade of green. While I like her earrings and bracelet, really no need when you have access to so much of the real stuff as such. I'm looking forward to tomorrow as well and can't wait for your post Charlotte. I would imagine that they will arrive in Scotland tonight. S.🙂.
ReplyDeleteI forgot to add. I hope to see just the right touch of tartan tomorrow and hopefully The Princess of Wales brooch and emerald earrings. Or maybe something new to her to mark the occasion. S.🙂.
DeleteLovely summery colours. Fresh and cool. It looks very retro eighties. I think Diana wore a similar look with the long blazer and pleated skirt except the colours were royal blue and white. I think Kate looks good. In my view, I think the blazer has too many buttons because of how they look depending on wearer's bust line. Just two at the waist would have looked good. Is Balmain a new designer for Kate? I don't recall her wearing much from a haute couture house before.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful, elegant outfit. The blazer is gorgeous, I would wear this in a heartbeat. The skirt looks great. Love the white accessories. The pearl earrings are a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteI like the pistachio and white combination. But not this skirt or the 80s blazer on the Princess. The bag is cute, and I like the bracelet.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw her, I knew what most of you would be saying in the comments! This is much too 80s for me and although I'm one of the people who calls on Kate to repeat more, I'd be happy to not see this again. However, she, in herself, looks wonderful, really happy and confident and that's nice to see. I'm really looking forward to the Scottish engagement.
ReplyDeleteWow everyone is different! I love the color and look. Very fresh and summery. Didn’t notice the button placement until it was pointed out! Now can’t unsee them!
ReplyDeleteHa ha, I do not like the outfit, but all the fuss about the buttons I do not get..It is just not a big deal.
DeleteI like the colour on her which works on very few people I think she looks elegant
ReplyDeleteI'm fine with the jacket--I happen to like mint and it's nicely summery--but I think it would look better either with pants (like the model is wearing) or a considerably shorter skirt.
ReplyDeleteI like the mint color, but agree about the placement of the buttons. It was fun seeing the video with Roger and Andy.
ReplyDeleteShe really looks nice, but this outfit just isn’t one of my favorites. I don’t prefer the style- color is fine. So fun to see her with Roger Federer and his wife! She even matched the umbrella. :) thanks Charlotte, sue from IL
ReplyDeleteI agree with other posters. This isn’t my favourite outfit either. I don’t like some of the blazers she has chosen, I don’t like this one either. I don’t like the color and the white buttons, the top two are in an awkward spot. Maybe it would be ok with jeans, although not my choice, but these pieces together look.. like a mess. Like she ran out the door and grabbed the nearest jacket hanging on the hook. The floaty skirt and a structured too long jacket. Odd combo! I like that she wore a bracelet. I love bracelets!
ReplyDeleteKate showed up all business today. I like the white pleated skirt - so Wimbledon - and I like the jacket, just not sure I like them together. Not sure when I skimmed through the comments if anyone thought it might be a dress. I think the jacket would have paired better with pants (or even a short skirt / shorts with wedges) to get away from the '80's look. Totally Princess Diana.
ReplyDeleteBut love that Kate was there to honor Roger and take in some of the activities. Hope we see her several more times and that she brings Charlotte and George.
I just loved the video from last week with her and Roger Federer. I'm not a fan of pastels but once I saw Kate holding the Wimbledon umbrella I knew it was a purposeful colour choice (of course). I do love when Kate wears fun jewelry so the bracelet was a nice touch today.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be positive... I do like the colour of the jacket, button placement interesting... but I too think it looks so 80"s if she had worn trousers it would look a bit more 2023. I think the white pumps are growing on me or am I being desensitised to them? I wonder how mint coloured espadilles or pumps would have worked instead? But I really think I would have preferred to see a white jacket for this outfit. Hair again too long and looking limp maybe the rain dropped the curl and bounce she may have had at the start of the day. Great to see Rodger Federer honoured today he is a GOAT and his wife looking gorgeous in Zimmermann I have one I've worn a few times now, but their prices have gone up considerably so in think are sadly out of my budget now. Sue in WA
ReplyDeleteI feel that Kate is bringing Diana’s style into her choices for her key appointments during this first year as Princess of Wales. This blazer and pleated skirt is very Diana and her fabulous green suit and hat at the Trouping of the Colour also looked very Diana. I think both work well on Kate and her new role
ReplyDelete