Tennis stars Novak Djokovic and Emma Raducanu were among those who had direct access to the Princess of Wales at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.
Djokovic competed in the men's singles tournament after his rapid recovery from knee surgery. He reached his 10th final at the All England Club but was soundly beaten by World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz for the second year in a row.
But despite his inability to wrestle back the crown he had won seven times in the past, he stated that he was "privileged" to perform in front of the Royal Box, which had a familiar guest in Princess Kate, who was accompanied by her nine-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte.
The Serb explained after the match that he would meet the Princess of Wales, who was making just her second public appearance this year after announcing in late March that she was diagnosed with cancer and was in the early stages of treatment.
"Yes, it was of course a privilege to be in her presence again. I've said to her that it is very nice to see her in good health. She seems to be in good health."
"That's obviously very positive news for everyone in this country but also for Wimbledon, for Championships to have Her Royal Highness here, of course with her family members. It's amazing. It's incredible support they've been giving over the years to this tournament."
"I know that she and her sister have played tennis for a very long time. So they truly respect, admire the game. They also understand tennis, which is great. It's wonderful to have that kind of support from the Royal Family."
Princess Kate is an avid tennis fan and famously warmed up with Roger Federer at Wimbledon last year. She has been a frequent attendee in the Royal Box on finals day. When she returned last weekend, the crowd gave her a rapturous reception and stood to wave in appreciation.
Before the start of the men's final, she met a few British female tennis players, including Emma Raducanu. The 21-year-old was ousted in the fourth round of the women's tournament by the New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun.
The former US Open champion was pictured shaking hands with Princess Kate and the young Princess Charlotte, who were delighted to meet her. The WTA star also talked about her experience of being in the presence of the Royal Family.
"It was very nice to see Her Royal Highness again. I’ve met her twice before, and it was really nice to meet Charlotte as well, because I hadn’t before. It’s amazing to see her be such a champion of tennis and following all of us."
Princess Kate usually presents the Wimbledon ladies' singles trophies to the winner and the runner-up but attended the men's final. She was without her husband, the Prince of Wales, Prince William, and her son Prince George, who were in Germany to watch the 2024 EURO final between England and Spain.
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