Sometimes, even duchesses can’t get exactly what they want. The Duchess of Cornwall had begun her visit to Wimbledon today by meeting former champion, and number ten seed, Rafael Nadal and telling him she hoped he won. Tonight, Camilla’s favourite is out of the tournament.
The Duchess of Cornwall met Rafael Nadal today and told him she was rooting for him to win at Wimbledon
The meeting between The Duchess and the former world number one came as Camilla arrived at SW19 for an afternoon of tennis. She was introduced to Rafa, who claimed the men’s singles at the All England Club in 2008 and 2010, and asked him if he would be playing today. When the Spanish superstar told her that he was, his royal fan replied ‘I hope you win’.
The Duchess of Cornwall was also introduced to several other top tennis stars as she made her way around the All England Club. She met Tomas Berdych, the man Nadal beat to win his second Wimbledon crown, as well as rising British star Johanna Korta and Slovakia’s Daniela Hantuchova. And there was also a meeting with a very important member of the backstage crew – Camilla had a close encounter with Rufus the hawk who keeps the pigeons away from Centre Court.
The Duchess later made her way to the world famous court and took her seat in the royal box where she fended off the hot weather by donning a panama hat with a band in the famous Wimbledon colours of purple and green and using a fan with the club’s trimmings as well. But there was one accessory she seemed more bemused by – having watched Britain’s number one, Andy Murray, stroll into round three after a straight sets win over Robin Haase, she seemed slightly puzzled when the 2013 champion threw his wristband into the Royal Box and the Chairman of the All England Club, Philip Brook, handed it to his royal guest.
Clarence House later confirmed that Camilla had met Murray after his second round win to congratulate him as he made easy work of the latest stage in his bid to win a second Wimbledon title.
But the day ended in disappointment for this Duchess as her favourite, Rafa, walked out on to Centre Court and straight out of the tournament, losing in four sets to German world number 102 Dustin Brown. Nadal, who has often been supported by Spain’s Royal Family during his fourteen career Grand Slam wins, will have to take some consolation from the fact that he now has another royal fan to add to his list.
Photo credit: Shaun Amey via Flickr
Well, that’s how it goes sometimes……I’m wondering how Roger Federer did – missed the match
I think Royals should not take sides. It’s as though if she had met Nadal’s opponent she would have said to him “I hope you lose.” !
Don’t be foolish, about the Royals giving their opinions! They are human, and are restricted what they can discuss to begin with, and making them ‘tongue-tied’ will do nothing, except cause friction!
Someone is sure to say—‘Can they not speak for themselves?’