Princess Kate, the only member of the Royal Family to attend Wimbledon on Thursday, left a BBC commentator lost for words after she scanned tickets and mingled with fans in the famous queue. The Princess of Wales, patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club, joined tennis legend Tim Henman to watch Arthur Fery on Court 18.
Unexpected Fan Interaction
Fresh from completing the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Hospital, the 44-year-old chatted with tennis enthusiasts who had spent hours queuing for tickets. She then surprised onlookers by scanning the tickets of those entering the grounds. BBC commentator Chris Bradnam said on air: "Her Royal Highness, Catherine Princess of Wales, she's been on duty today, mixing it with the fans, and scanning tickets!" His co-commentator, former British tennis player Kyle Edmund, exclaimed: "Is that right!"
Royal Presence on Court 18
Kate was later spotted on Court 18, seated alongside Henman and All England Club chair Deborah Jevans to watch Britain's Fery in his second-round match against Finland's Otto Virtanen. She slipped into the court largely unnoticed during a break at the fifth game of the first set, with Fery leading 3-2 on serve but trailing 1-0 in sets. After watching part of the match, Kate departed with Henman and visited the media centre, then the players' and hospitality area, where she met children from the local Shine Camera Club, an organisation that helps youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds through photography.
Later Appearances and Interview
In the afternoon, she appeared at No. 1 Court to watch Katie Swan take on No. 26 seed Madison Keys, accompanied by Andy Murray and Anne Keothavong. BBC Wimbledon presenter Isa Guha revealed that Kate would sit down for an interview with Keothavong later on Thursday. Guha said: "The Princess of Wales has been watching on Court 18 with Tim Henman. She came in a little bit earlier. She surprised some fans. That was a lovely moment for them to be able to meet her. She spoke to some spectators over at the Hill. She's always a favourite here at the Championships."
