Rybakina won the prestigious All England Club plate from a set down in a hard-fought 3-6 6-2 6-2 win against Ons Jabeur. 10 Kate Middleton was honored to present the Wimbledon Women’s TrophyCredit: Paul Edwards 10 The Duchess of Cambridge presented the winner’s trophy to Elena RybakinaCredit: AP 10 Kate Middleton looked stunning in yellow as she arrived at Wimbledon this afternoonCredit: PA 10 She beamed as she met Rachel Williams, Guest Services Host, and Dave Tulloch, Property Management Support ServicesCredit: PA 10 The Duchess excitedly greeted a friend as she took her seatCredit: Reuters And the Duchess beamed as she presented the winner’s trophy to a deserving winner in Rybakina on a lovely sunny afternoon. Kate is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and regularly appears at the annual event in the royal box. The Duchess, wearing a Roksanda dress, was pictured watching alone today – after attending with William to watch British number one Cameron Norrie record a quarter-final win earlier this week. Joining Tom Cruise, Ellie Goulding, Dame Maggie Smith and Jodie Comer on Center Court this afternoon. Before taking her seat, Kate spoke to two semi-finalists in the inaugural 14 and under championships – Great Britain’s Isabelle Britton, 14, and Carel Ngounoue, 13, of the USA. The group could be heard talking about Norrie’s semi-final defeat on Friday, with Kate saying: “He had such a good game, he really did.” Afterwards, the youngsters said they spoke to Kate about their Wimbledon experience. Carel said: “He asked us how our experience here was and if we hope to play here when we grow up – like the real competition. “It’s definitely an honor to meet her, it’s great to have this opportunity to meet someone so important.” Isabelle said: “He was saying it was good we got this far, it’s a really good experience for the future too.” The Duchess also spoke to two members of staff – host Rachael Williams and property management support Dave Tulloch – who were recognized for going above and beyond during the tournament. He told them, “What an amazing event to be a part of.” Kate is likely to have been deeply disappointed with Norrie’s exit from the competition after she and William hailed his “brilliant” victory in a five-set thriller against Belgian David Goffin this week. In a post-match tweet, they shared a photo of Norrie, 26, raising his fist on the pitch with the caption: “What a match! Just brilliant @cam-norrie.” They sat in front of David Williams and Kate was seen blowing a kiss to parents Carole and Mike. The Cambridges also watched Novak Djokovic take on Jannik Sinner on Center Court.
FASHION SERVE
During the most biting moments of the game, die-hard tennis fan Kate could barely be seen covering her eyes and clasping her hands in front of her mouth. Prince William was also seen making a very animated display and gritting his teeth during a tense serve, before bursting into laughter. But Kate, who is patron of the Luan Tennis Association, missed out on the second Wimbledon semi-final yesterday for a very sweet reason. The tennis aficionado skipped the game to join Prince George and Princess Charlotte for their last day of school before the summer holidays. Both royal children have attended St Thomas’s Battersea Junior School since the age of four. However, the Cambridges are set to move from London to Windsor this summer.
‘SUCH A GOOD GAME’
It means young people can attend new schools in September. Kate also lost a major clash with a British player in 2013 when Andy Murray reached the final. She was keen to cheer him on from the Royal Box – but was advised to watch from home as she was pregnant. She told sports presenter Sue Barker in the BBC documentary Our Wimbledon: “I was heavily pregnant with George so I couldn’t turn up.” Sue replied, “But you had a great excuse!” The mum-of-three is clearly making amends today as she watches Ons Jabeur take on Elena Rybakina.
CLASH CUP
Kate is a serious player herself. Earlier this year, she was seen playing a game with her children at the exclusive Hurlingham Club, in Fulham, south-west London, where annual membership costs from £1,600 a year. She is a regular at the private members’ club and has been taking tennis lessons for many years – often beating her husband William on the court. Sources say she’s making a “good minor athlete” with a “nice top.” The family even has a court at their country house, Anmer Hall in Norfolk. Prince George’s tennis skills have been praised by Swiss legend Roger Federer. 10 Tom Cruise also enjoys tennis this afternoonCredit: PA 10 The Duchess is a big fan of tennis and often plays herself Credit: Paul Edwards 10 Ellie Goulding wore all white for the final todayCredit: Getty 10 Rebel Wilson arrived in a pink dress and high heelsCredit: Getty 10 Dame Maggie Smith looked gorgeous in a blue sundressCredit: Paul Edwards
