Princess Kate was “taken by surprise” by the warm welcome she was afforded by the Wimbledon crowd, former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole has claimed.
Speaking on GBN America, Cole discussed Kate’s triumphant return to SW19 where she presented Carlos Alcaraz, the winner of the men’s tournament, with the winning trophy.
The royal commentator says the future Queen was taken aback when she was introduced by All England Club announcers as she stepped into Centre Court.
“The presence of royalty does make an occasion”, he said.
Michael Cole discussed Princess Kate's return
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“Particularly in the case of Kate. She did look terrific. She was talking with the English players, including Emma Raducanu.
“She was engaging with them in strong handshakes and eye-to-eye contact.
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“When she walked into the royal box at Centre Court, 15,000 people got to their feet and applauded her.
“I think she was taken slightly by surprise. Her family are all keen tennis players, particularly herself and her sister Pippa.
“Pippa [Middleton] was sitting next to her, just one removed because they had Princess Charlotte sitting between them.”
Cole explained to Nana Akua that the Royal Family’s ties with the championships go back a long way, with one figure even participating.
Michael Cole joined Nana Akua on GBN America
GBN AMERICA
“This goes back in the Royal Family”, he said.
“The King’s grandfather actually played at Wimbledon in the early 1920s in the men’s doubles.
“He didn’t get very far, it must be said, but he did play, and they have always liked the game and the fact the Princess was there in a lovely, purple dress was great to see.”
Kate’s appearance at Wimbledon was her first in public since Trooping the Colour, where she was spotted on the balcony.
Kate's Wimbledon spoke to ballkids on Centre Court
PAThey are her only two public engagements since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March.
Kate, wearing a purple Safiyaa dress, spoke to ball boys and girls after she entered Centre Court to loud applause.
Before passing the trophy to Alcaraz, she commiserated and shook the hand of runner-up Novak Djokovic.
The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte were greeted with cheers and applause as they took their seats at Centre Court.
Kate smiled broadly and waved to the crowd after ushering Charlotte to a seat to her right in the front row of the royal box.
They were joined by Kate’s sister Pippa Matthews who was seated to Charlotte’s right.