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Kate Middleton celebrates Ash Barty’s victory at Wimbledon final with trophy and conversation

The Duchess of Cambridge emerged from self-isolation to attend the Wimbledon final and present champion Ash Barty with her victory trophy.

Kate Middleton presents Ash Barty with Wimbledon trophy

Kate Middleton was all smiles as she attended the women’s Wimbledon final with Prince William after coming out of self-isolation.

The Duchess of Cambridge beamed as she presented Ash Barty with the trophy following her triumph over Karolina Pliskova at Centre Court on Saturday afternoon, local time.

She later congratulated the pair on Twitter for playing an “incredible match”.

Ashleigh Barty receives the trophy from Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, after defeating Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova during their women's singles final match. Picture: AFP
Ashleigh Barty receives the trophy from Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, after defeating Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova during their women's singles final match. Picture: AFP
The Duchess of Cambridge made her first public appearance since going into isolation due to a Covid-19 scare. Picture: AFP
The Duchess of Cambridge made her first public appearance since going into isolation due to a Covid-19 scare. Picture: AFP
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge waves to the crowd after the match. Picture: Getty Images
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge waves to the crowd after the match. Picture: Getty Images
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, sit in the Royal box to watch the women's singles final. Picture: AFP
Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, sit in the Royal box to watch the women's singles final. Picture: AFP

The Duke and Duchess arrived at Centre Court for the ladies singles showdown after Kate was pinged by the National Health Service’s Covid-19 App last Friday, reported The Sun.

Kate, who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), wore a green dress and floral face mask as she sat with William in the Royal box.

The Royal couple both then removed their masks to watch the match and chat with those around them.

HRH Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge after the Ladies' Singles Final match between Ashleigh Barty of Australia and Karolina Pliskova of The Czech Republic. Picture: Getty Images
HRH Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge after the Ladies' Singles Final match between Ashleigh Barty of Australia and Karolina Pliskova of The Czech Republic. Picture: Getty Images

It marks her first public appearance since she was alerted by the NHS app while watching tennis at Wimbledon last Friday.

Kate was pinged after taking her seat for a match and left straight away at around 4pm before Briton Dan Evans took to the court.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who came out of isolation for the Ash Barty match, with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in the Royal box at Wimbledon. Picture: AFP
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who came out of isolation for the Ash Barty match, with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in the Royal box at Wimbledon. Picture: AFP

But her isolation period ended just in time for a weekend of sport, with Ash Barty facing Karolina Pliskova in the women’s final of the tennis.

The duchess was clearly enjoying her new-found freedom today as she chatted away to those around her including ball boys and girls after the match.

Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic is presented with the runners-up trophy by Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. Picture: Getty Images
Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic is presented with the runners-up trophy by Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge. Picture: Getty Images
Catherine meets ball boys and girls after the final. Picture: Getty Images
Catherine meets ball boys and girls after the final. Picture: Getty Images
The Duchess of Cambridge makes a presentation to umpire James Keothavong after the Ladies’ Singles Final match. Picture: Getty Images
The Duchess of Cambridge makes a presentation to umpire James Keothavong after the Ladies’ Singles Final match. Picture: Getty Images

It comes as the Duke of Cambridge, who is the current president of the FA and was seen celebrating at the Euros semi finals on Wednesday, will attend the Euros final on Sunday.

A spokesperson for Kensington Palace said: “Last week the Duchess of Cambridge came into contact with someone who has subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.

“Her Royal Highness is not experiencing any symptoms, but is following all relevant government guidelines and is self-isolating at home.”

Kate Middleton attended Wimbledon prior to her possible exposure to Covid. Picture: AELTC/Thomas Lovelock - Pool/Getty Images
Kate Middleton attended Wimbledon prior to her possible exposure to Covid. Picture: AELTC/Thomas Lovelock - Pool/Getty Images

‘HAVE I MADE THE WORLD’S BIGGEST MISTAKE?’

A new film based on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s bombshell exit from Britain shows the on-screen Duchess of Sussex ask if she’s made the “world’s biggest mistake” by marrying into the royal family.

The first teaser clip for Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace – the third in a trilogy on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex by Lifetime films – was released on Instagram this week and follows the couple as they make the decision to quit their royal duties.

The TV movie will also “detail Meghan’s growing isolation and sadness, their disappointment that ‘The Firm’ was not defending them against the press’s attacks and Harry’s fear that history would repeat itself and he would not be able to protect his wife and son from the same forces that caused his mother’s untimely death”.

In the opening clip, Prince Harry, played by Jordan Dean, insists he’ll “do everything in his power to keep his wife and son safe”.

Kate Middleton is also portrayed in the movie, and is seen in the trailer saying that marrying into the royal family is what they “signed up for.”

Harry & Meghan: Escaping the Palace trailer

The on-screen Duchess of Cambridge can be seen saying: “This is the life we signed up for. Here, we value dignity above all else.”

In the 30-second video, Meghan’s character, played by actress Sydney Morton, ponders her decision to take on royal life, saying: “I never thought this would be easy. But I wanted to make the Queen proud.

“Have I made the world’s biggest mistake?”

She later tells Harry: “I am the person who is strong and gets things right” before he kisses her on the forehead, and says: “I can’t lose you.”

Escaping the Palace will dramatise “what really happened inside the palace that drove Harry and Meghan to leave everything behind in order to make a future for themselves and their son Archie,” according to Deadline.

In another scene, the Queen, Harry, William and Kate can be sitting together having a tense discussion.

Other royals will also feature, with it set to “examine the dynamics between Will and Harry, Kate and Meghan, and Harry with Will and Charles, that lead to the ultimate break from the royal ties”.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, quit royal duties for a new life in the US. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, quit royal duties for a new life in the US. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

Meghan and Harry’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, which took place in March, will also be shown in the movie.

Filming is said to have begun last month in Vancouver – where the stars have filmed a number of recreations, including Harry and Meghan’s home video of them on the beach with Archie.

The movie is the third in a trilogy, with the previous two movies each being played by a different leads.

Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance in 2018 and Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal in 2019 focused on the early days of their relationship and their wedding respectively.

WILLIAM CHEERS ON ENGLAND AT WEMBLEY

Prince William appeared in high spirits as he cheered on his country at the UEFA Euro 2020 equaliser between England and Denmark on Wednesday while his wife Kate Middleton isolated at home after a Covid scare.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, is pictured ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium in London. Picture: Catherine Ivill.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, is pictured ahead of the UEFA EURO 2020 semi-final football match between England and Denmark at Wembley Stadium in London. Picture: Catherine Ivill.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, celebrates the equaliser. Picture: Paul Ellis.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, celebrates the equaliser. Picture: Paul Ellis.
Prince William and Kate Middleton with Crown Princess Mary Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Princess Mary on November 2, 2011. Picture: AFP.
Prince William and Kate Middleton with Crown Princess Mary Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Princess Mary on November 2, 2011. Picture: AFP.

The Duke of Cambridge was joined in the stands at Wembley Stadium by Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, David Beckham, and Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary and her husband, Crown Prince Frederik to support their nations as the two teams fought for a place in Sunday’s final.

Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, is a few days into a 10 day stint at home after she was exposed to someone with Covid-19 at Wimbledon.

It’s believed the 39-year-old was alerted by a ping on her mobile phone Covid app after taking her seat in the Royal Box on Friday, and she left straight away.

“Last week, The Duchess of Cambridge came into contact with someone who has subsequently tested positive for COVID-19,” a spokesman for the palace said in a statement on Monday.

“Her Royal Highness is not experiencing any symptoms, but is following all relevant government guidelines and is self-isolating at home.”

She isn’t showing symptoms, but under current British rules, that means she needs to spend 10 days in isolation.

A rare glimpse inside Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace was seen when the Obamas visited London in 2016. Picture: Getty
A rare glimpse inside Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace was seen when the Obamas visited London in 2016. Picture: Getty
There will be plenty of space for Kate to complete her 10 day iso.
There will be plenty of space for Kate to complete her 10 day iso.
The Duchess of Cambridge will be inside these Kensington Palace walls until she gets the Covid all clear. Picture: Matrix
The Duchess of Cambridge will be inside these Kensington Palace walls until she gets the Covid all clear. Picture: Matrix

INSIDE KATE MIDDLETON’S LUXURY ISO LIFE

The home Kate shares at Kensington Palace with Prince William and their three children is called Apartment 1A – but the name doesn’t do its grandeur justice.

With 20 rooms, and at four storeys, there is plenty of space. The couple spent just over $300,000 on a second kitchen and that followed a $6.2 million renovation.

They also have their household staff, ensuring Kate won’t need for anything during her isolation – except perhaps bake, which is what she liked to do during the first lockdown last year when she and William were at their residence in Norfolk, Anmer Hall.

William previously described that time as their kitchen being an “explosion of flour and chocolate”.

Prince William has hosted a palace tea party solo after his co-host, wife Kate’s Covid scare.

The couple was scheduled to attend two public engagements and host one of them to pay tribute to public health workers, in London on Monday.

Prince William hosts a Big Tea garden party to commemorate the NHS' 73rd Birthday at Buckingham Palace on July 05, 2021 in London, England. Picture: Henry Nicholls.
Prince William hosts a Big Tea garden party to commemorate the NHS' 73rd Birthday at Buckingham Palace on July 05, 2021 in London, England. Picture: Henry Nicholls.
Kate Middleton is in isolation after coming into contact with someone who has Covid. Picture: AFP
Kate Middleton is in isolation after coming into contact with someone who has Covid. Picture: AFP

The announcement of Kate’s iso came just before the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had been set to attended a special service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Monday morning to mark the birthday of the National Health Service (NHS), which was established 73 years ago. William instead attended the event on his own before hosting the palace tea party.

The “Big Tea” is one of many taking place in homes, hospitals and schools and community areas around the country on Monday to give communities an opportunity to relax and reflect and thank health staff and volunteers for the role they played in the pandemic.

Kate also attended the England v Germany game at Wembley with William and Prince George on Tuesday.

The Duchess of Cambridge has been vaccinated. Picture: AFP
The Duchess of Cambridge has been vaccinated. Picture: AFP
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in the royal box at Wimbledon. Picture: AFP
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, in the royal box at Wimbledon. Picture: AFP

WILLIAM, HARRY BOMBSHELL

A close ally of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has claimed staff of Prince William spread rumours of his brothers’s mental health in the media.

Omid Scobie is a royal author and wrote the 2020 book Finding Freedom, which some friends of the couple are believed to have shared information on their behalf.

Scobie was interviewed for a new royal documentary which aired in the UK at the weekend – and he risked reignited simmering tensions between the brothers by suggesting it was aides close to William that planted stories against Harry.

The stories began almost as soon as an interview had aired where Harry and Meghan spoke about their personal struggles, as they concluded a tour of South Africa in 2019.

Harry also confirmed what had just been media rumours until then – that he and William weren’t seeing eye-to-eye.

“We are certainly on different paths at the moment, but I will always be there for him, as I know he will always be there for me,” he said in the interview.

Soon after the stories began, firstly that William was “worried” about his brother and then another that detailed royal concern about Harry and Meghan who were in a “fragile place”.

The two brothers were all smiles and appeared to be comfortable with each others company at the statue unveiling. Picture: Getty
The two brothers were all smiles and appeared to be comfortable with each others company at the statue unveiling. Picture: Getty

“I would say that it was no coincidence that it was shortly after that aired, even the next day, there were source quotes that came from a senior aide at Kensington Palace saying that William was worried about his brother’s mental health,” Scobie said of the quotes, without providing any evidence for his claim.

“That fed off such an ugly thing for Harry and it did not go unnoticed. Now, whether William directed that or not, no one will ever know, but it came from his household that he is the boss of.”

Scobie said Meghan got off-side with palace aides early on.

“Meghan came in driven and ready to work, and that immediately ruffled feathers. She’s a woman well into her thirties,” he said.

Finding Freedom Author Omid Scobie/
Finding Freedom Author Omid Scobie/
The tension between the four royals has been getting worse for months. Picture: Getty
The tension between the four royals has been getting worse for months. Picture: Getty

“I think she’s proven to herself and the people she’s worked with up until that point that she knows what she’s doing … She was certainly not someone who was going to change herself just to please the people around her. I felt they also had to be reminded: ‘You’re not the stars of the show here. There is a hierarchy and you don’t come very high in it.’”

the interview comes as Prince Harry returned to Los Angeles after putting on a united front with William for the unveiling of a statue of Princess Diana.

Body language expert Judi James claims Harry was filled with “inner tension” during the unveiling, which one clue gave away, according to The Sun.

“Harry’s hand reached to touch his wedding ring, which is a self-comfort gesture suggesting some inner tension.

“Although it also hinted how much he sees his family as a source of support.”

Harry is said to be returning to London in September for another event to honour his late mum.

Originally published as Kate Middleton celebrates Ash Barty’s victory at Wimbledon final with trophy and conversation

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/author-omid-scobie-claims-prince-william-planted-mental-health-stories-against-brother-harry/news-story/4137a14c1a8f27edfb385eb6ae7aa443