Wimbledon is a popular event for members of the British Royal Family, with senior members of the Royal Family attending each year as well as many members of the extended Royal Family. There was a meaningful connection to the late Queen on Saturday at Wimbledon, though- the first tournament since her Majesty’s passing.
On 8 July, eleven members of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards were seated in the box beside the Royal Box. These eleven soldiers were the pallbearers at the late Queen’s funeral in September.
Clare Balding introduced the soldiers before the match at Centre Court, saying ”Alongside the Royal Box we are also particularly proud this year to welcome and thank the team of 11 members of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards who so nobly acted as pallbearers at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.”
The King also named eight of the pallbearers as recipients of the Royal Victorian Order for service to Queen Elizabeth II. They were also awarded the Silver Victorian Medal to thank them for their work on such a significant occasion.
Wimbledon has long since had a strong connection with the Royal Family. In 1907, the future King George V and Queen Mary attended the tournament; he was also named Patron in the same year. In 1926, the future King George VI competed in mens’ doubles at the tournament, though he and his partner did not advance past the first round.
Queen Elizabeth II was patron of the All-England Club from 1952 to 2016; Her Late Majesty passed the patronage to the Princess of Wales. The late Queen’s cousin, The Duke of Kent, served as president from 1969 to 2022.
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