The Princess of Wales presented the ladies' singles final trophy to Czech player Linda Noskova at Wimbledon on Saturday, following a thrilling three-set encounter on Centre Court. Kate received a standing ovation and a few wolf whistles from the crowd as she stepped onto the court in a strawberry red belted top and pleated midi skirt.
Match Details
Czech ninth seed Noskova defeated compatriot and 10th seed Karolina Muchova 6-2 5-7 6-3 in a final that lasted two hours and 28 minutes. The victory secured Noskova's first Wimbledon title and the Venus Rosewater Dish.
The princess, who is patron of the All England Club, greeted ball boys and ball girls as she arrived for the trophy presentation and met members of the court service team after the ceremony.
Royal Box Highlights
Kate watched the final from her seat in the royal box, where she wore a wide-brimmed sun-hat and used a hand-held electric fan to keep cool in the 29C heat. She shook hands with American tennis legend Billie Jean King and sat beside All England Club chairwoman Deborah Jevans and former Czech-American player Martina Navratilova.
Other notable figures in the royal box included Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, American actress Jodie Foster, and filmmaker Sir Sam Mendes.
Behind the Scenes
Before the final, Kate met Wimbledon staff, two of the ladies' doubles finalists, and the two girls selected to carry out the coin toss for the ladies' singles and wheelchair singles finals. Speaking to court coverer Jenna Fontanilla, the princess revealed that her youngest son, Louis, eight, had asked about becoming a ball boy. Fontanilla told the Press Association: “She told me about how Louis was asking her about how to become a ball boy, and we were talking about how much hard work it is to be on court.”
Fontanilla described Kate as “so genuine” and said the conversation felt natural. “She’s a people’s princess, everyone says she’s one of the people, and I love it,” Fontanilla added.
Canadian tennis player Gabriela Dabrowski, who will play in the ladies' doubles final, also met Kate. Dabrowski, 34, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and has continued playing throughout treatment. She said Kate acknowledged her journey, calling it “very inspirational.” Dabrowski added: “Just a very beautiful moment. I didn’t expect to be emotional.”
