With Wimbledon underway once again for the 2024 tournament, there will once more be royals present to take in a match or two. One glamorous duchess was a constant fixture at Wimbledon for decades and was a true symbol of the championship.
Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent, remains the royal most closely associated with Wimbledon. The beautiful and sophisticated Greek Princess married The Duke of Kent in 1934, and the pair were society favourites. The Duchess was sadly left widowed when The Duke died in an aeroplane disaster in 1942.
Princess Marina took over as President of the All-England Tennis and Croquet Club, a role that her late husband had held for years. Known for her beauty and glamorous fashion, she was a constant presence at the tournament, making it a must-attend event for anyone in society.
The Duchess was President for 26 years and presented the trophies to the winners every year until her death in 1968. Her daughter, Princess Alexandra of Kent, followed in her mother’s footsteps and continued to award trophies.
Princess Marina’s elder son, The Duke of Kent, was President of the All-England Tennis Club from 1969 until 2021. The Princess of Wales took over the role and has also remained a regular attendee at Wimbledon.
