It was a very royal girls day out as the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge attended Wimbledon today.
It marks Meghan and Kate's first joint outing together without their husbands, and Meghan's first visit to the tournament as a member of the Royal family. As they both love the game, it seemed very fitting for the pair to attend. Kate has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016. It's another royal milestone for Meghan who had a busy week with the RAF Centenary celebrations and a successful two-day visit to Dublin.
An overview of the royal duo arriving.
An arrival video.
Before they took their seats, the Duchesses met a number of former Wimbledon Ladies Champions, as well as some of the Championships' ball boys and ball girls to hear more about their experiences at the tournament.
The royals met wheelchair competitors.
The Telegraph reports: Tia Carter, 11, who will be performing the coin toss before the ladies' singles final, said she was both excited and nervous to meet the royals. She said: "Meghan asked how old I was, and what I was doing today. I told her I will be performing the coin toss and she said 'so I will be seeing you later'. Tia’s father Wayne serves in the RAF, as did her mother Joyce, who sadly passed away suddenly last year. The RAF Benevolent Fund’s flagship youth support scheme, Airplay, has been a great support to Tia as she comes to terms with the loss of her mother.
Meghan and Kate meeting junior players.
Spectators from all over the world descend upon the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for a fortnight of incredible tennis. Steeped in tradition, it is the only tennis major played on grass, with players donning white, precisely as they did a century ago. It is also the only Grand Slam tournament with a Royal Box. This year, Wimbledon celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The Duchesses enter the Royal Box.
Another view.
Kate and Meghan took their seats and enjoyed chatting.
They are clearly very much at ease in each other's company and had a wonderful time discussing their shared love of tennis.
Due to the men's semi-finals going considerably over schedule, not only did Meghan and Kate have the opportunity to see the ladies' semi-finals, they also saw the final two sets of an epic match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
It was an incredibly tense match.
Following a spectacular display of tennis Novak Djokovic was victorious.
The royals chat with Gill Brook, wife of AELTC chairman Philip Brook.
An overview of Wimbledon.
How amazing does the 'Tennis Ball Hedge' look?
Meghan's attendance today came as no coincidence. The Duchess was reportedly very keen to visit the tournament this year to support her close friend Serena Williams. The tennis superstar attended the Royal wedding and accompanied the Sussexes to Coworth Park with her husband Alexis Ohanian just days before her first match. The pair have been close for several years and in 2016 (the summer Harry and Meghan met) she was courtside at Wimbledon twice to cheer Williams on.
In a piece for her lifestyle blog The Tig, Meghan shared the following on their friendship: "We hit it off immediately, taking pictures, laughing through the flag football game we were both playing in, and chatting not about tennis or acting, but about all the good old fashioned girly stuff. So began our friendship. She quickly became a confidante I would text when I was traveling, the friend I would rally around for her tennis matches, and the down to earth chick I was able to grab lunch with just a couple weeks ago in Toronto. We are both the same age, have a penchant for hot sauces and adore fashion, but what connects us more than those things is perhaps our belief in exceeding expectations – our endless ambition. Serena is undoubtedly one of the best tennis players the world has ever seen."
Williams has been inundated with questions about the Duchess' possible attendance for the past two weeks. Responding to the news she would be cheering her on today, she said, "We've always had a wonderful friendship and every year for a couple years she comes out to Wimbledon, has supported me and now she’s supporting me in a different role. But our friendship is still exactly the same," she said. "We always have supported each other, just been there for each other through a lot."
Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, played for her 24th major singles title. Title number 24 would tie Serena with Margaret Court for the highest number of grand-slam singles titles won by a female player. The tennis pro returned to the tournament after giving birth to her daughter Olympia ten months ago. Following a life-threatening scare during the birth, it's astonishing to see her back at a Wimbledon final less than a year later. Serena's opponent is German tennis player Angelique Kerber. The former world No. 1 won Major titles at the 2016 Australian Open (beating Williams) and the 2016 US Open. She has also won an Olympic silver medal while representing Germany at the 2016 summer games. Kerber and Williams have played on numerous occasions including the Wimbledon 2016 Final where Williams was victorious.
Meghan cheers Serena on.
Alas, it was not to be for Serena Williams this time. Angelique Kerber gained control very early on and won in two sets. It's a very special day for the hugely talented player, marking her first Wimbledon win.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a bespoke Jenny Packham dress. To read more, click here to visit Duchess Kate.
We'll see Harry and Meghan on Tuesday. The couple will open the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall.
It marks Meghan and Kate's first joint outing together without their husbands, and Meghan's first visit to the tournament as a member of the Royal family. As they both love the game, it seemed very fitting for the pair to attend. Kate has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016. It's another royal milestone for Meghan who had a busy week with the RAF Centenary celebrations and a successful two-day visit to Dublin.
An overview of the royal duo arriving.
An arrival video.
Before they took their seats, the Duchesses met a number of former Wimbledon Ladies Champions, as well as some of the Championships' ball boys and ball girls to hear more about their experiences at the tournament.
The royals met wheelchair competitors.
The Telegraph reports: Tia Carter, 11, who will be performing the coin toss before the ladies' singles final, said she was both excited and nervous to meet the royals. She said: "Meghan asked how old I was, and what I was doing today. I told her I will be performing the coin toss and she said 'so I will be seeing you later'. Tia’s father Wayne serves in the RAF, as did her mother Joyce, who sadly passed away suddenly last year. The RAF Benevolent Fund’s flagship youth support scheme, Airplay, has been a great support to Tia as she comes to terms with the loss of her mother.
Meghan and Kate meeting junior players.
Spectators from all over the world descend upon the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club for a fortnight of incredible tennis. Steeped in tradition, it is the only tennis major played on grass, with players donning white, precisely as they did a century ago. It is also the only Grand Slam tournament with a Royal Box. This year, Wimbledon celebrates its 150th anniversary.
The Duchesses enter the Royal Box.
Another view.
Kate and Meghan took their seats and enjoyed chatting.
They are clearly very much at ease in each other's company and had a wonderful time discussing their shared love of tennis.
Due to the men's semi-finals going considerably over schedule, not only did Meghan and Kate have the opportunity to see the ladies' semi-finals, they also saw the final two sets of an epic match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
It was an incredibly tense match.
Following a spectacular display of tennis Novak Djokovic was victorious.
The royals chat with Gill Brook, wife of AELTC chairman Philip Brook.
An overview of Wimbledon.
How amazing does the 'Tennis Ball Hedge' look?
Over 300,000 glasses of Pimm's are consumed at the tournament. Meghan once revealed "having a love of all things Brit" she adores the refreshing gin-based drink.
Meghan's attendance today came as no coincidence. The Duchess was reportedly very keen to visit the tournament this year to support her close friend Serena Williams. The tennis superstar attended the Royal wedding and accompanied the Sussexes to Coworth Park with her husband Alexis Ohanian just days before her first match. The pair have been close for several years and in 2016 (the summer Harry and Meghan met) she was courtside at Wimbledon twice to cheer Williams on.
In a piece for her lifestyle blog The Tig, Meghan shared the following on their friendship: "We hit it off immediately, taking pictures, laughing through the flag football game we were both playing in, and chatting not about tennis or acting, but about all the good old fashioned girly stuff. So began our friendship. She quickly became a confidante I would text when I was traveling, the friend I would rally around for her tennis matches, and the down to earth chick I was able to grab lunch with just a couple weeks ago in Toronto. We are both the same age, have a penchant for hot sauces and adore fashion, but what connects us more than those things is perhaps our belief in exceeding expectations – our endless ambition. Serena is undoubtedly one of the best tennis players the world has ever seen."
Williams has been inundated with questions about the Duchess' possible attendance for the past two weeks. Responding to the news she would be cheering her on today, she said, "We've always had a wonderful friendship and every year for a couple years she comes out to Wimbledon, has supported me and now she’s supporting me in a different role. But our friendship is still exactly the same," she said. "We always have supported each other, just been there for each other through a lot."
Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, played for her 24th major singles title. Title number 24 would tie Serena with Margaret Court for the highest number of grand-slam singles titles won by a female player. The tennis pro returned to the tournament after giving birth to her daughter Olympia ten months ago. Following a life-threatening scare during the birth, it's astonishing to see her back at a Wimbledon final less than a year later. Serena's opponent is German tennis player Angelique Kerber. The former world No. 1 won Major titles at the 2016 Australian Open (beating Williams) and the 2016 US Open. She has also won an Olympic silver medal while representing Germany at the 2016 summer games. Kerber and Williams have played on numerous occasions including the Wimbledon 2016 Final where Williams was victorious.
Meghan cheers Serena on.
Alas, it was not to be for Serena Williams this time. Angelique Kerber gained control very early on and won in two sets. It's a very special day for the hugely talented player, marking her first Wimbledon win.
Supportive hugs after the match.
The Duchesses congratulated Angelique.
The Duchesses congratulated Angelique.
A royal reception for the newly-crowned #Wimbledon champion, @AngeliqueKerber... pic.twitter.com/Iixv1g0r6m— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2018
I'm sure Meghan was disappointed for her friend, however as anyone who follows tennis knows, Serena will be back. I thought this a particularly sweet photo, taken immediately after Serena lost. There's been such efforts in the media and among fans to pit these two women against each other. I think today proved they're firm friends.
We've all been looking forward to seeing Meghan's sartorial choices for her Wimbledon debut as a member of the Royal family. She looked cool and chic in a crisp Ralph Lauren shirt and wide leg trousers. I thought it a very fresh take on the 'Wimbledon Whites' look we see spectators choosing. The the pop of blue from the shirt added a nice splash of colour to the look. Meghan's choice of Ralph Lauren was no coincidence - as the brand supplies the clothing for the Championship's ball kids, lines judges and umpires.
Meghan sported the $590 Ralph Lauren Collection Striped Cotton Shirt (with thanks to What Meghan Wore). The piece is described as "A spread collar and a relaxed fit bring an easy chic to this American-made shirt. Crisp Italian cotton and genuine mother-of-pearl buttons add a subtle sophistication." The piece is available at Ralph Lauren and Orchard Mile.
Meghan's trousers are the Ralph Lauren Charmain Silk Wide-Leg Pant. The $1690 pair feature a wide-leg silhouette, intended to hit the floor. Concealed left-side-seam zipper with a hook-and-eye closure and full stretch silk lining. They are available at Ralph Lauren and Orchard Mile.
The Telegraph writes:
Anne identified Meghan's new hat as the Maison Michel Virginie Straw Sunhat. The hat is available with a grey stripe at Net-A-Porter and a red stripe at FarFetch.
'While the high-waisted cut of the trousers was unmistakably feminine, the overall look was quite androgynous, and topped with a panama hat the twin of the one she wore to Wimbledon two years ago.
And there is more than an element of nostalgia here. In 2016, Meghan attended Wimbledon as a guest of Ralph Lauren - the brand's PR was rumoured to have introduced her to Prince Harry. Wearing the brand to revisit the championships, now as Prince Harry's wife, shows she hasn't forgotten the connection.'
Anne identified Meghan's new hat as the Maison Michel Virginie Straw Sunhat. The hat is available with a grey stripe at Net-A-Porter and a red stripe at FarFetch.
It very much looks like Meghan's new sunglasses are the Illesteva Leonard round-frame acetate sunglasses (with thanks to Meghan Maven). They are available at Net-A-Porter.
And Meghan carried her ALTUZARRA Ghianda Saddle Bag.
We'll see Harry and Meghan on Tuesday. The couple will open the Nelson Mandela Centenary Exhibition at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall.