Kate, Princess of Wales, arrives at Wimbledon to present women’s singles trophy
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Kate, Princess of Wales attends Wimbledon women’s final
The Princess of Wales has attended the women’s singles final at Wimbledon. She waved to crowds as she arrived at the championships in SW19. The royal presented the trophy to winner Iga Swiatek on Centre Court. She also met Bob Flint, Wimbledon’s longest serving honorary steward. It is unknown if the princess will be back on Sunday for the men’s final. Queen Camilla sat in Centre Court to watch Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals. Leonardo DiCaprio, Dame Anna Wintour, Sir Mo Farah and Ellie Goulding have also been spotted in the royal box this week. The Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester are also in attendance.
Kate waved to crowds as she arrived at the championships in SW19, ahead of the match between America’s Amanda Anisimova and Poland’s Iga Swiatek.
The royal, who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, presented the trophy to winner Swiatek on Centre Court after the Polish player’s dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory.
Image: Pic: PA
Image: The Princess of Wales with AELTC chair Deborah Jevans. Pic: PA
Kate shook hands with children, including 12-year-old Sophie Kneen, who performed the coin toss at the ladies’ final.
She also met Bob Flint, Wimbledon’s longest serving honorary steward, and Ziying Wang, the champion of the ladies singles wheelchair final.
Image: The Princess of Wales meeting Bob Flint, Wimbledon’s longest serving honorary steward. Pic: PA
Image: Kate with 12-year-old Sophie Kneen. Pic: PA
It is unknown if the princess will be back at Wimbledon on Sunday when Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner go head-to-head for the men’s singles final.
Her arrival came shortly after British duo Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool made Wimbledon history by winning the men’s doubles title for the first time in 89 years.
The pair became the first all-British pair to win the title since Pat Hughes and Raymond Tuckey in 1936.
Image: (L-R) Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool celebrating their win in the doubles. Pic: PA
Last year, Kate presented the Wimbledon men’s final trophy to Alcaraz, in what was her second public engagement since she announced her cancer diagnosis.
She watched the match between the current world number two and Novak Djokovic from the royal box with her daughter, Princess Charlotte.
Image: Queen Camilla with Novak Djokovic earlier this week. Pic: PA
Image: Leonardo DiCaprio was one of the famous faces spotted in the royal box this week. Pic: PA
However, she missed the chance to present Barbora Krejcikova with the trophy after she defeated Jasmine Paolini at last year’s women’s singles final.
Already this year, the Princess of Wales’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, have been seen in the royal box, with the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester also in attendance.
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Earlier this week, Queen Camilla sat in Centre Court to watch Novak Djokovic in the tournament’s quarter-finals.
Famous faces in the royal box at this year’s Wimbledon have included Leonardo DiCaprio, Dame Anna Wintour, Sir Mo Farah and Ellie Goulding.
Kate Middleton consoles Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova after the American is demolished 6-0, 6-0 in the tournament’s most one-sided final since 1911
The Princess of Wales consoled a tearful Amanda Asiminova after she was thrashed in the most one-sided Wimbledon final since 1911. Kate, 43, placed her hand on the American’s arm and told her to ‘keep your head high’ following the 23-year-old’s 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek on Centre Court in just 57 minutes. The patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club presented the runners-up trophy to the 13th seed who struggled to contain her tears. Anisimova said meeting Kate ‘was the positive of today’ and told how she had been ‘really kind’ She said: ‘I didn’t even dream, for me it was way too far. I feel like I am already an experienced player after winning the Slams before but I never expected this one,’ she said. SwiateK became the first Polish woman to lift the Wimbledon trophy — July 12, 2025 — following her ruthless performance.
Kate, 43, placed her hand on the American’s arm and told her to ‘keep your head high’ following the 23-year-old’s 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek on Centre Court in just 57 minutes.
The patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club presented the runners-up trophy to the 13th seed who struggled to contain her tears.
Anisimova had to briefly leave the court following her humbling at the hands of an inspired Swiatek, 24, as she recorded a double bagel scoreline in the women’s final – the first in 114 years and for only the second time in the tournament’s history.
Anisimova said meeting Kate ‘was the positive of today’ and told how she had been ‘really kind’.
Speaking after the match, she said: ‘It was such an honour to meet her.
‘I wasn’t sure if she was going to come out today, if she was going to be there, so it’s just really nice to see her.
‘She definitely had a few things to say that were making me emotional again.’
The Princess of Wales carries the Wimbledon women’s trophy onto Centre Court — July 12, 2025
Kate kindly places her hand on Amanda Anisimova’s arm after the American was thrashed 6-0, 6-0
A triumphant Iga Swiatek celebrates winning the Wimbledon final as she raises the Venus Rosewater Dish on the Centre Court balcony
A tearful Anisimova wiped away tears during her post-match interview on court as she praised Swiatek and said she had ‘run out of gas a bit today’.
She was playing in her first Wimbledon final and said ‘she would never forget this experience’.
Anisimova broke down again as she mentioned how her mother had flew in from America this morning to watch her.
‘Thank you for being here and breaking the superstition of not flying in – it isn’t why I lost here,’ she joked.
Anisimova: ‘I know I didn’t have enough today but I will keep putting in the work and I hope to be back here one day.’
A victorious Swiatek, the first Polish woman to win Wimbledon, also offered words of encouragement to Anisimova.
‘First I want to congratulate Amanda for an amazing two weeks. You should be proud of the work you are doing and I hope we will play more finals her,” she said.
‘I didn’t even dream, for me it was way too far. I feel like I am already an experienced player after winning the Slams before but I never expected this one.
An inspired Swiatek jumps for glee after winning the Wimbledon Women’s Final in just 57 minutes
Kate gave warm words of encouragement and consoled American Amanda Anisimova as she collected the runners-up trophy
The patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club presented the trophy to Swiatek after she triumphed 6-0 6-0 against American Anisimova on Centre Court
The 23-year-old 13th seed broke down in tears as she thanked her mother and revealed how she had flown to the UK this morning to watch her in the final
A tearful Anisimova, the 13th seed, wiped away tears as she praised Swiatek and said she had ‘run out of gas a bit today’
A smiling Kate waves to the crowd ahead of the trophy presentation
Kate, 43, placed her hand on the American’s arm and offered words of comfort following the 23-year-old’s 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek on Centre Court in just 57 minutes
A beaming Swiatek became the first Polish woman to lift the Wimbledon trophy — July 12, 2025
Swiatek fell to floor following her ruthless performance at SW19 in the Ladies’ Singles Final — July 12, 2025
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, shakes hands with Wimbledon staff — July 12, 2025
Iga Swiatek of Poland kisses the Ladies’ Singles Trophy following her victory against Amanda Anisimova
Anisimova wiped away tears during her post-match interview as she admitted she had ‘run out of gas’
Runner up Anisimova with her trophy after losing the women’s singles final
Swiatek held her hands to her head in disbelief after she tore her American opponent apart in a one-sided final
Poland’s Iga Swiatek (left) poses with the women’s Wimbledon trophy alongside runner up Amanda Anisimova (right)
‘This year I really, really enjoyed it and feel I improved my form here.
‘I am always going to remember the opening of champagne bottles between serves! It is a sound that will keep me away at night!’
The only ever time there has been a 6-0, 6-0 scoreline in a Grand Slam final was in 1988 when Steffi Graf beat Natasha Zvereva in the French Open.
Belarusian Zvereva was also coincidentally the 13th seed for that tournament.
Kate had earlier arrived on court alongside chair Debbie Jevans and put on a stunning display in a cream ensemble, including a high collared belted top, flowing skirt and a £950 Anya Hindmarch tote bag.
She added a ‘Wimbledon bow’ to her ensemble, which features the official colours of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – purple and green.
Before taking her seat, Kate met a string of tennis champions alongside Jevans, including Chinese wheelchair tennis player Wang Ziying.
Elsewhere, Kate beamed as she met Bob Flin, Wimbledon’s longest-serving Honorary Steward, Wimbledon foundation host Shaniah Williams, as well as Jefferson Iweh, a ticket sales operator.
The Princess of Wales also met Sophie Kneen, 12, who is due to perform the coin toss at the ladies’ final, and eight-year-old Lydia Lowe, who did the same at the ladies’ wheelchair final.
The royal, who is making a steady return to public duties following her cancer diagnosis, was joined by legendary tennis player Billie Jean King.
Last year, the Princess presented the Wimbledon men’s final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz, in her second public engagement since she announced her cancer diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, were seen in the Royal Box on Monday, with the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester also in attendance.
The Queen told tennis star Novak Djokovic that she was keeping her ‘fingers crossed’ as she visited Wimbledon on Wednesday.
The Princess Royal’s son Peter Phillips attended the championships on Wednesday, with Hugh Grant and former prime minister Sir John Major also in the Royal Box.
Swiatek celebrates with the Ladies’ Singles Trophy on the Clubhouse Balcony at Wimbledon
Kate wowed Wimbledon spectators today as she attended the women’s final — July 12, 2025
Swiatek hugged and celebrated with her after her stunning win on Centre Court — July 12, 2025
Kate, the Patron of the AELTC, talks to the ball boys and girls ahead of the trophy presentation
The Princess of Wales comforted Anisimova after her 6-0, 6-0 loss to Swiatek
Princess Kate pictured waving to the crowds as she walks alongside chair Debbie Jevans
The Princess of Wales graciously waves at the Wimbledon audience as she took to the Royal Box on Centre Court today
Kate beams as she sports a cheek cream ensemble alongside a dark purple and black ‘Wimbledon bow’
Catherine is all smiles as Wimbledon erupts into clapping as she takes her seat next to AELTC chair Debbie Jevans
She continues to beam next to former tennis player Billie Jean King ahead of the match as viewers prepare to watch the 13th day of the world-renowned tournament
Princess Catherine waves to spectators ahead of the Women’s Wimbledon final today
Legendary tennis player Billie Jean King waves to the crowd as Catherine smiles on
Kate, who is the patron of the AELTC, reacts ahead of the Ladies’ Singles Final
Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, former footballer Ian Wright and Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins were among the notable names to attend a hot day at the world-renowned tournament today.
Świątek previously crushed British No. 2 Emma Raducanu for the second Grand Slam in a row in May, with a 6-1, 6-2 defeat in the second round of Roland Garros.
Kate, who has been the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, is often tasked with handing out trophies, but it renowned for her kind gestures.
In 2023, Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur was tearful after coming runner-up in two consecutive finals, following a loss at the US Open the same year.
As the royal presented her with her runners-up prize, the two stopped to talk, with Kate offering words of encouragement and embracing the visibly distressed athlete in a break from royal protocol.
In an interview, Jabeur said: ‘Obviously, she was very nice. She didn’t know if she wanted to give me a hug or not. I told her hugs are always welcome from me.’
Billie Jean King and the Princess of Wales appear enthralled in conversation ahead of the highly-anticipated match
The royal appears to be keenly interested in their conversation prior to the match
The Princess of Wales wears a pair of chic sunglasses as she prepares to watch the final
She is seemingly fully concentrated on the match to come, as many eagerly await to see who will emerge victorious
The Princess of Wales takes a sneak peak behind her chic sunglasses at the Wimbledon Women’s final
AELTC Patron, Princess Catherine applauds in the Royal Box as the match is set to head into full swing
Princess of Wales smiles as she greets tennis legend Martina Navratilova in the Royal Box on Centre Court ahead of the women’s singles final
Princess Catherine walks down to her seat in the Royal Box today ahead of the match
Catherine, Princess of Wales, smiles in the Royal Box prior to the the Ladies’ Singles Final
Amanda Anisimova of the U.S and Poland’s Iga Swiatek before the women’s singles final
Iga Swiatek of Poland poses prior the Women’s Singles final match with Amanda Anisimova of the USA
Amanda Anisimova during the Ladies’ Singles Final on day thirteen of The Championships Wimbledon
When she was asked what Kate had said to her, she added: ‘Same thing after last year. To encourage me to be strong, to come back and win a Grand Slam, win a Wimbledon.’
The Princess has been a fan of the sport since childhood, with the royal telling Sue Barker in a 2017 BBC documentary: ‘I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up.
‘I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game. It hasn’t changed either, I think that’s what’s so wonderful.’
Speaking to HELLO! magaine, Jabeur added that the Royal initiated the warm embrace, noting her kind energy was a significant support: ‘She was really the nicest. She has watched me twice, losing the final twice.
‘She kept asking me if she could hug me, and I was like, ‘Who doesn’t want a hug from a Princess, you know?’
‘For me, it was such an amazing moment. And not just that, I felt her kindness and energy around me.’
Today, the temperatures are forecast to peak at around 30C and fall short of a record for a women’s singles final day, with 31.2C having been recorded on the day of the 1976 final between Chris Evert and Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Glowing Catherine appears thrilled to see one spectator as she prepares to take her seat
Kate was glowing as she prepared to watch Amanda Anisimova and Iga Świątek battle it out on the court
Kate waved to spectators at day 13 of Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Her long brown locks glistened in the sun as she chatted with fellow spectators
Pictured: The Princess of Wales met Bob Flint (pictured), Wimbledon’s longest serving Honorary Steward
Pictured: Kate smiling as she met Bob Flint, Wimbledon’s longest serving Honorary Steward, today
The 43-year-old royal opted for a glowing makeup look for the occasion, complete with a smoky eye
Kate put on a stunning display in a cream ensemble as she entered Wimbledon alongside AELTC chair Debbie Jevans
The royal added a special bow featuring the official All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to her ensemble
The mother-of-three put on a chic display in a cream ensemble, including a high-collared belted top, flowing skirt and a £950 Anya Hindmarch tote bag
Pictured: Kate with AELTC chair Debbie Jevans as she arrived to attend the Ladies’ Singles Final
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: ‘There will be blue skies at Wimbledon throughout the day, so it will feel hot, with very high UV levels and a light wind.
‘There might be a little bit more cloud around tomorrow, making it a degree lower.’
The men’s singles semi-final on Friday between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz was stopped twice in less than five minutes because of crowd emergencies, amid temperatures of 32C on Centre Court.
Three fans also needed attention on Centre Court on Thursday in similarly hot conditions.
The men’s singles final on Sunday, with highs of 29C predicted, is unlikely to break the record of the warmest closing day on record of 34.1C recorded on July 3 1976.
The extreme heat during the 1976 tournament prompted organisers to allow umpires to remove their jackets.
Wimbledon has said the heat rule will apply for all singles events for players, which allows for a 10-minute break when the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is at or above 30.1C.
The Princess of Wales took to Wimbledon on Saturday to watch the women’s final from the Royal Box today
Kate met Lydia Lowe, eight, from the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust, before watching the final on Saturday
The Princess of Wales meeting Shaniah Williams and Jefferson Iweh as she arrives to attend the Ladies’ Singles Final
Pictured: Kate at day thirteen of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Pictured: Kate at the Women’s Singles final match between Iga Swiatek of Poland against Amanda Anisimova of the USA
The rule will apply after the second set for all best-of-three-set matches, and after the third set for all best-of-five-set matches.
Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment.
Last year, Kate, who had stepped away from public royal duties while undergoing cancer treatment, was greeted with a standing ovation when she arrived to SW19.
She presented the Wimbledon Men’s trophy to Carlos Alcaraz, after he took on veteran Novak Djokovic, winning in three sets.
Before passing the trophy to Alcaraz, Kate commiserated and shook the hand of runner-up Novak Djokovic.
She attended the prestigious sporting competition alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Middleton.
Before the mother-daughter duo took their seats in the Royal Box, they met with female tennis stars, including 21-year-old Emma Radacanu, who all presented Kate with a bouquet of flowers.
Charlotte grinned from ear to ear as she met with the tennis star, who sadly saw her Wimbledon dream crushed on Centre Court by New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun last week.
Kate and Charlotte were also greeted by Sonay Kartal, Lily Miyazaki, Lucy Shuker and Flora Johnson as they arrived on the players’ lawn at Wimbledon before entering Centre Court.
Kate joined Wimbledon for the Women’s Final on Saturday alongside AELTC chair Debbie Jevans
Kate, who styled her long, brunette locks in curls for the occasion, appeared cheerful as she met Ziying Wang, Ladies Singles Wheelchair Final Champion with Ralph Yin, coach and translator
Kate completed her outfit with a £950 tote bag from English designer’s eponymous Anya Hindmarch
Charlotte gave wheelchair tennis player Shuker a ‘pinky promise’ that she would try the sport alongside her mother.
Kate was also introduced to Raducanu, who was knocked out in the fourth round of this year’s championships, telling her: ‘It was so hard to see you go out.’
US Open winner Raducanu said it was ‘amazing’ to have the support of the princess and ‘see her here looking so healthy and happy’.
It’s no secret that ambitious blood runs through the Middleton veins, as Pippa and Kate were both known to be super competitive with sports at school events as children.
They were both on the hockey team as teenagers, though the Princess of Wales was team captain during her years at Marlborough College in Wiltshire.
Kate always enjoyed physical education as a student and even went on to become a star tennis player, a keen netball player and used to beat the boys at high jump.
Kate serves up royal glamour at Wimbledon for women’s final
Ahead of the start of the first day of the Winter Olympics, the world is waiting to see what will happen in this year’s Winter Olympics. The first day is expected to be the biggest so far in the history of the event. The event will be the first of the four-year Winter Olympics in South Korea, which will be held from February 14 to February 21. The second day will see the second year in a row that the first year of the tournament has been held. The third year will be a record-breaking year for the event, with the fourth year being a record for the last four years. The fourth year will see a record number of years of events taking place in a single year. The fifth year has been the longest in the last five years, and the sixth year is the most recent.
The Princess of Wales has arrived at Wimbledon to attend the women’s singles final.
Kate, who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, will present the trophy on Centre Court to the winner of the match between Amanda Anisimova and Iga Swiatek on Saturday.
Ahead of the final, the princess, wearing a white belted jacket and pleated skirt, met the winner of the ladies’ wheelchair final, Wang Ziying.
Accompanied by All England Club chairwoman Deborah Jevans, she also met 12-year-old Sophie Kneen, who is due to perform the coin toss at the ladies’ final, and eight-year-old Lydia Lowe, who did the same at the ladies’ wheelchair final.
The Princess of Wales meeting Lydia Lowe, eight (Jordan Pettitt/pa) (Jordan Pettitt/PA)
Kate, who donned a bow-shaped brooch in the Wimbledon colours of purple and green, also spoke with Jefferson Iweh, a ticket sales operator; Bob Flint, an honorary steward; and Wimbledon foundation host Shaniah Williams.
Last year, the princess presented the Wimbledon men’s final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz, in her second public engagement since she announced her cancer diagnosis.
The Princess of Wales’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, were seen in the Royal Box on Monday, with the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester also in attendance.
The Queen told tennis star Novak Djokovic that she was keeping her “fingers crossed” as she visited Wimbledon on Wednesday.
The Princess of Wales with AELTC chairwoman Debbie Jevans (Jordan Pettitt/PA)
The Princess Royal’s son Peter Phillips attended the championships on Wednesday, with Hugh Grant and former prime minister Sir John Major also in the Royal Box.
Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, former footballer Ian Wright and Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins were among the notable names to attend a hot day at Wimbledon on Saturday.
Temperatures are forecast to peak at around 30C and fall short of a record for a women’s singles final day, with 31.2C having been recorded on the day of the 1976 final between Chris Evert and Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: “There will be blue skies at Wimbledon throughout the day, so it will feel hot, with very high UV levels and a light wind.
“There might be a little bit more cloud around tomorrow, making it a degree lower.”
Carlos Alcaraz is presented with the trophy by the Princess of Wales after victory in 2024 (Aaron Chown/PA)
The men’s singles semi-final on Friday between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz was stopped twice in less than five minutes because of crowd emergencies, amid temperatures of 32C on Centre Court.
Three fans also needed attention on Centre Court on Thursday in similarly hot conditions.
The men’s singles final on Sunday, with highs of 29C predicted, is unlikely to break the record of the warmest closing day on record of 34.1C recorded on July 3 1976.
The extreme heat during the 1976 tournament prompted organisers to allow umpires to remove their jackets.
Wimbledon has said the heat rule will apply for all singles events for players, which allows for a 10-minute break when the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is at or above 30.1C.
The rule will apply after the second set for all best-of-three-set matches, and after the third set for all best-of-five-set matches.
Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment.
Kate arrives at Wimbledon for women’s final trophy ceremony
Temperatures are forecast to peak at around 30C on Saturday at Wimbledon. The men’s singles final on Sunday is unlikely to break the record of the warmest closing day on record of 34.1C recorded on July 3 1976. The heat rule will apply for all singles events for players, which allows for a 10-minute break when the wet bulb globe temperature is at or above 30C. Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment.
The Princess Royal’s son Peter Phillips attended the championships on Wednesday, with Hugh Grant and former prime minister Sir John Major also in the Royal Box. Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, former footballer Ian Wright and Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins were among the notable names to attend a hot day at Wimbledon on Saturday.
Scorching temperatures challenge players
Temperatures are forecast to peak at around 30C and fall short of a record for a women’s singles final day, with 31.2C having been recorded on the day of the 1976 final between Chris Evert and Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: “There will be blue skies at Wimbledon throughout the day, so it will feel hot, with very high UV levels and a light wind.”
The men’s singles semi-final on Friday between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz was stopped twice in less than five minutes because of crowd emergencies, amid temperatures of 32C on Centre Court. Three fans also needed attention on Centre Court on Thursday in similarly hot conditions.
Heat rule protections in place
The men’s singles final on Sunday, with highs of 29C predicted, is unlikely to break the record of the warmest closing day on record of 34.1C recorded on July 3 1976. The extreme heat during the 1976 tournament prompted organisers to allow umpires to remove their jackets.
Wimbledon has said the heat rule will apply for all singles events for players, which allows for a 10-minute break when the wet bulb globe temperature is at or above 30.1C. The rule will apply after the second set for all best-of-three-set matches, and after the third set for all best-of-five-set matches.
Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment. Dewhurst added: “There might be a little bit more cloud around tomorrow, making it a degree lower.”
Kate receives advice from 8-year-old at Wimbledon final
Princess met Sophie Kneen, 12, who was selected to perform the coin toss at the women’s singles final. Kate also congratulated women’s wheelchair singles champion Wang Ziying and asked her whether the final was a “good game” Temperatures are forecast to peak at around 30C and fall short of a record of 31.2C recorded on the day of the 1976 final between Chris Evert and Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Heat rule will apply for all singles events for players, which allows for a 10-minute break when the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is at or above 30.1C. Men’s singles semi-final on Friday between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz was stopped twice in less than five minutes because of crowd emergencies. Three fans also needed attention on Centre Court on Thursday in similarly hot conditions.
Speaking after meeting the future queen, Sophie told the PA news agency: “It was so, so good, and I’m really honoured to be able to meet her. She asked me a bit about the charity I’m with and I said how they try and encourage young girls to play sports.”
Royal congratulations for champion
Accompanied by All England Club chairwoman Deborah Jevans, Kate also congratulated women’s wheelchair singles champion Wang Ziying and asked her whether the final was a “good game”. The princess said to the Chinese player: “It’s very hot playing in this weather, isn’t it? It must be nice to celebrate at Wimbledon.”
Kate, who donned a bow-shaped brooch in the Wimbledon colours of purple and green, also spoke with Jefferson Iweh, a ticket sales operator; Bob Flint, an honorary steward; and Wimbledon foundation host Shaniah Williams. The princess told Mr Flint, 75, who first worked at the championships in 1980: “Well done for all the years of commitment and dedication.”
Royal family presence continues
Asked about meeting the princess, Ms Williams, 23, said: “It was an absolute privilege to actually meet and have a conversation with her. She’s so beautiful. It was really nice to catch up with her and tell her a bit about my role.”
Last year, the princess presented the Wimbledon men’s final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz in her second public engagement since she announced her cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, were seen in the Royal Box on Monday, with the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester also in attendance.
Heat challenges tournament play
The Queen told tennis star Novak Djokovic that she was keeping her “fingers crossed” as she visited Wimbledon on Wednesday. The Princess Royal’s son Peter Phillips attended the championships on Wednesday, with Hugh Grant and former prime minister Sir John Major also in the Royal Box.
Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, former footballer Ian Wright and Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins were among the notable names to attend a hot day at Wimbledon on Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to peak at around 30C and fall short of a record for a women’s singles final day, with 31.2C having been recorded on the day of the 1976 final between Chris Evert and Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Weather disrupts matches
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: “There will be blue skies at Wimbledon throughout the day, so it will feel hot, with very high UV levels and a light wind. There might be a little bit more cloud around tomorrow, making it a degree lower.”
The men’s singles semi-final on Friday between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz was stopped twice in less than five minutes because of crowd emergencies, amid temperatures of 32C on Centre Court. Three fans also needed attention on Centre Court on Thursday in similarly hot conditions.
Heat rules protect players
The men’s singles final on Sunday, with highs of 29C predicted, is unlikely to break the record of the warmest closing day on record of 34.1C recorded on July 3 1976. The extreme heat during the 1976 tournament prompted organisers to allow umpires to remove their jackets.
Wimbledon has said the heat rule will apply for all singles events for players, which allows for a 10-minute break when the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is at or above 30.1C. The rule will apply after the second set for all best-of-three-set matches, and after the third set for all best-of-five-set matches. Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment.