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FashionFeaturesThe Kents

The Duchess of Kent at Wimbledon through the years

The Duchess of Kent, or Katherine Kent as she prefers to be known, is perhaps one of the most uncommon faces in the British Royal Family. Over the years, she has rarely made public appearances, but each summer, she usually makes an exception. The Duchess is a regular at Wimbledon and was once in charge of handing out prizes during the championship.

In 2021, the Duke of Kent retired as the President of The All England Lawn Tennis Club after 52 years and passed his role on to the Duchess of Cambridge. With the 2022 championships here, Royal Central is looking at some of the Duchess of Kent’s appearances at the tennis event over the years.

1966

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The Duchess sits next to her husband during the final of the Women’s Singles, in which America’s Billie-Jean King defeats Brazil’s Maria Buena. Lady Churchill, the widow of Winston Churchill, is seated on the other side of the Duke.

1977

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The Duchess shakes the hand of Bjorn Borg of Sweden after he defeats United States tennis player Jimmy Connors.

1978

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The Duchess hands the trophy to Martina Navratilova after the Ladie’s Singles Final.

1979

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The Duchess is seen with US players Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean-King after they defeat Betty Stove of the Netherlands and Wendy Turnbull of Australia in the Women’s Doubles Final.

1981

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Bjorn Borg of Sweden receives his runners-up medal from the Duchess after he lost the Men’s Singles Final against United States player John McEnroe.

1982

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American tennis player Martina Navratilova shakes hands with the Duchess after she wins the Women’s Singles tournament against fellow American Chris Evert-Lloyd. The Duchess would also be seen a different day as she presented John McEnroe with the trophy for the Men’s Singles Final.

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1984

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1985

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Boris Becker of Germany is congratulated by the Duke and Duchess after winning the Men’s Singles Final. The four-set defeat of America’s Kevin Curren made him the first unseeded player, the first German, and the youngest man (at the time) to win the event.

1986

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The Duchess stands with Boris Becker of Germany, who had just won the Men’s Singles Final. He donated his prize money to UNICEF. The Duke and Duchess also attended the Champions’ Dinner at London’s Savoy Hotel.

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1987

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1988

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1989

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1990

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1991

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1992

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1993

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1995

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1997

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1998

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1999

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2000

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2001

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2014

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2017

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2018

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2021

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About author

My name is Sydney Zatz and I am a University of Iowa graduate. I graduated with a degree in journalism and sports studies, and a minor in sport and recreation management. A highlight of my college career was getting the chance to study abroad in London and experiencing royal history firsthand. I have a passion for royals, royal history, and journalism, which led me to want to write for Royal Central.