Kate Middleton was once on the end of fun lesson in etiquette from tennis legend Roger Federer at Wimbledon.
The Princess of Wales is a patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – and presented Carlos Alcaraz with the men’s singles winner’s trophy in 2023.
She is set to make a rare public appearance as Alcaraz faces Novak Djokovic once again in the 2024 final on Sunday.
Middleton revealed a cancer diagnosis six months ago and is currently undergoing preventative treatment.
Her passion for tennis and deep connection with the tournament was apparent in 2023 when she starred in a promotional video.
Middleton learned about the impressive preparations the ball boys and ball girls go through as they had their first day of training at Wimbledon.
During filming, Kate was stood alongside young Mollie in her attempts to learn the ropes as Federer, widely regarded among the greatest tennis players ever, enjoyed a few rallies.
And with his serve returned, but heading out, Kate proceeded to catch the ball before it bounced.
“Good catch!” said Mollie, encouraging the royal rather than pointing out the error. However, Federer was quick to joke: “Are you allowed to do that?”
Upon realisation, Kate replied: “Oh yeah, are you allowed to do that? That’s a good point.”
“In Australia they would catch it but here in Wimbledon they don’t,” the highly experienced Federer went on to clarify.
Kate then realised her mistake and Mollie politely revealed the correct protocol to follow: “You’re not meant to catch it, you’re meant to let it bounce and then get it, but good catch.”
The Princess of Wales also lauded the ball boys and ball girls in the film for the work that they do at the iconic tournament.
“Wimbledon is renowned for its amazingly professional ball boys and ball girls,” she said. “The amount of work it takes, it’s incredible to see it behind the scenes.”
She added: “To see the training and the dedication and the amount of time that’s put into training and making sure that this sort of goes well on the day for the champions who are playing at Wimbledon, it’s incredible to see it behind the scenes.”
Kate also played small doubles match against eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer, who cried ‘Amazing’ to one of her shots.
Sunday’s final will be a repeat of the 2023 match as Alcaraz defends his title against Djokovic.
All-time record holder Djokovic can claim a 25th grand slam title and cement his legacy as the greatest tennis me’s player in history over Federer (20) and Rafael Nadal (22).
Federer, meanwhile, retired from professional tennis in 2022 and was most recently seen at a Taylor Swift concert in his native Switzerland.
News Summary:
- ‘Are you allowed to do that?’ – Roger Federer once told Kate Middleton she broke Wimbledon protocol
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