Today saw the opening of Wimbledon, and The Duke of Kent and Duchess of Cambridge were in attendance to see Andy Murray play his first match.
The Duchess of Cambridge cheered on Andy Murray as he played Alexander Bublik on Centre court on day one of Wimbledon. Picture by Andrew Parsons / i-Images
Prince Edward is president of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (aka Wimbledon) and Catherine is now their patron, having taken over from The Queen, when she shed some patronages last year due to increasing age.
This was Kate’s first attendance in an official capacity; she has attended most years since marrying Prince William, but this year was invited as patron to nominate a charity to be involved in the pre-match coin toss at the Gentlemen’s Singles Final; Kate chose another of her patronages, Place2Be, which provides emotional and therapeutic services for children in school.
A statement from the Duchess said: “As Patron of both Place2Be and Wimbledon, this is a unique opportunity to bring together two wonderful organisations.”
WILLIAM, KATE AND HARRY DONATE TO GRENFELL TOWER VICTIMS
Kate also greeted a number of players beforehand, as well as ballboys and girls and the medical and safety teams, who help keep the games running.
Speaking to Dominic Thiem and Agnieszka Radwanska, the Duchess remarked on their calmness. When asked if she played tennis, Kate replied: “Yes, but not to any standard!”
The Duke of Kent and Duchess greeted one another with a kiss as they sat down in the Royal Box to see Andy Murray, 30, take on Russian Alexander Bublik, 20, from Kazakhstan.
Rafa Nadal, and Venus Williams also entertained the crowds on the opening day of the competition, with rain briefly halting play. Murray romped to victory 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 against Bublik, despite a hip injury hampering the opening somewhat.
Others in the Royal Box included Dominic Cooper and Philip Brook, Wimbledon’s chairman.
Catherine revealed she was banned from attending in 2013, due to being heavily pregnant with Prince George, but this year was able to see some of tennis’ big names take to the court.
