New Delhi: Wimbledon season is here, and it’s not just tennis fans who are excited. The royal family’s love for the championships adds an extra touch of tradition and glamour to the summer sporting calendar,r with the Princess of Wales and other royals regularly taking their seats in the royal box.
This year, fans can expect to see the Duchess of Gloucester making his way to the All England Club for what is set to be an exciting fortnight of tennis. The Duchess is the Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association and is tipped to attend Wimbledon on day eight, before returning for the semifinals on July 11.
Not only that, but she will also join the President’s Lunch during the first week, making it three appearances at SW19 this year.
Who is Duchess of Gloucester?
Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester attends day three of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Birgitte was born in Denmark and married Prince Richard, who is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, in 1972. Over the years, she has been a hardworking member of the royal family, supporting numerous charities and patronages. She also made history earlier this year when she became the first non-blood royal not married to the monarch or the heir to be made a Royal Lady of the Garter, reflecting her dedication and service.
Duchess’s lifelong connection to Tennis
For Gloucester, these visits are more than just royal duties. Birgitte is now 79 and has been a dedicated supporter of tennis for over 25 years in her role with the LTA and has often been seen enjoying from the royal box. Her connection to Wimbledon runs deep back to 1999, as she took to Centre Court to present crystal plates to 59 past and present champions as part of the Millennium Championships celebrations marking the special moment in the tournament’s history.
She has also shown her love for the sport off the courts. In 2013, during the visit to the ARGON Classic Tennis Tournament in Birmingham, the Duchess didn’t shy away from picking up a racquet herself, delighting those around her with her enthusiasm for the game.
Style notes for Wimbledon
While all eyes are often on Princess Kate’s elegant Wimbledon outfits, the Duchess of Gloucester has a style that’s just as noteworthy. She is known for her polished, tailored blouses and classic accessories; her outfits are always fitting for the occasion, bringing a timeless sophistication to the royal box.
With a heatwave predicted for the coming days, it will be interesting to see how the Duchess styles her outfits while keeping cool during the matches.
As Wimbledon gets underway, the Duchess of Gloucester’s presence will add another layer of tradition and warmth to an event that holds a special place in the hearts of tennis fans and the royal family alike.