SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM: Please consider donating to keep our website running and free for all - thank you!

Prince & Princess of Wales

The Princess of Wales leads tribute to Roger Federer on emotional day on Centre Court

The Princess of Wales shared a joke with one of Wimbledon’s most famous stars as Centre Court rose to pay tribute to Roger Federer.

The special moment, which included a lengthy standing ovation for the tennis player, came as the Princess made her first visit to the club the famous Championships get under way in London.

Catherine, who is Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, arrived on day two of the competition and headed straight for the outside courts.

The Princess, wearing a mint green blazer and white pleated skirt, took her seat in the stands on Court 18 to see Britain’s top female player, Katie Boulter, begin her campaign against Australia, Daria Saville.

Embed from Getty Images

However, the first round match was quickly interrupted by rain with the covers coming over as the weather worsened.

Later, the Princess of Wales headed to the Royal Box on Centre Court where she led a tribute to Roger Federer, the eight times Men’s Singles Champion who retired last year.

The Swiss star seemed overcome as he joined the Royal Box, with the cheering going on for several minutes as he acknowledged the crowds.

Embed from Getty Images

The Princess, who last month joined Roger Federer for a training session at Wimbledon for ball boys and ball girls, was also joined in the Royal Box by Prince Michael of Kent as well as his daughter, Lady Gabriella Kingston, and her husband, Tom.

The Princess of Wales, as patron of the Club, is expected to attend Wimbledon several times during the Championship fortnight and will present the trophies at the end of the competition.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.