Princess Kate breaks from royal custom at Wimbledon to show support for young British tennis player
PA
Princess of Wales delighted fans with a surprise appearance under a brolly on Court 18
Princess Kate has stepped out of the royal box to go pitchside on Wimbledon’s more intimate Court 18, in a show of support to British number one Katie Boulter.
Pairing a mint green and white Balmain blazer with white midi skirt, Mulberry bag and Gianvito Rossi pumps, the Princess of Wales completed the look with a much-needed official Wimbledon umbrella.
Onlookers remarked that Kate’s vintage-inspired ensemble was notably reminiscent of the green Catherine Walker blazer dress worn by Princess Diana at the Trooping of the Colour in 1988.
It is a rare sight to see a major royal sit in the stands of the smaller courts.
The Princess of Wales under an umbrella with Deborah Jevans before rain stops play in the match between Katie Boulter and Daria Saville on day two of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
PA
Kate cheered Boulter on as she fought bravely in her first round match against Australia's Daria Saville, with rain eventually stopping play.
Former Wimbledon Juniors winner Laura Robson and Vice-Chair of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) kept Kate company as the rain clouds swept over south London.
Kate, patron of the AELTC and a keen tennis player, was recently featured rallying with eight time champion Roger Federer in a heartwarming video for Wimbledon’s Ball Boys and Girls (BBGs) in the run up to the tournament.
In the clip, a cheeky ball girl informs the Princess of Wales that she had broken Wimbledon protocol.
The Princess of Wales, Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, arrives for day two of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
PA
Federer, who retired last year, is set to be honoured on Centre Court in a special ceremony before play kicks off.
Kate is expected to be present on Centre Court for the battle of the Brits at around 4pm, where Andy Murray will take on world number 268 Ryan Peniston.
On Court 18, keen eyed viewers would have spotted the princess sporting a gold bracelet from French brand Sézane.
The winner of the round will likely face number five seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round.
PRINCESS KATE LATEST:
The Princess of Wales watching Katie Boulter in action against Daria Saville on day two of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
PA
Peniston, 27, confessed that he had “almost crashed” while driving when he was told he would be facing two time champion Murray, 36, in round one.
Britain is well represented at the Championships today, with Dan Evans, Cameron Norrie, Sonay Kartal, Arthur Fery and Heather Watson all in action weather permitting.
Kate is expected to turn out at the tournament on multiple days, while last year she was accompanied by both Prince William and Prince George.
The Princess of Wales has previously attended with her sister Pippa Middleton and with her sister-in-law the Duchess of Sussex.
Her Royal Highness's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, are also SW19 stalwarts.