Awkward moment Roger Federer breaks royal protocol
Roger Federer was invited into the Royal Box at Wimbledon but his greeting with the future Queen will be seen as overfamiliar by many.
They may be old friends but when Roger Federer greeted the future Queen at Wimbledon with a touch on the back her flinch was unmistakeable.
Federer, who retired last year, was treated to a standing ovation at Centre Court on Tuesday, as crowds gathered to watch women’s third seed Elena Rybakina and American Shelby Rogers.
As he walked into the Royal Box he touched a clapping Princess of Wales on the back and leaned forward as if going to kiss her on the cheek.
This most probably did not seem unusual for him.
Federer and Kate’s sister Pippa have been friends for years and he has also taught Prince George tennis.
A legend returns.
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 4, 2023
The Centre Court crowd rises for eight-time #Wimbledon champion @RogerFedererpic.twitter.com/0edGz3ncmZ
But the move will be seen as overfamiliar by many in royal circles.
Even Kate’s children are meant to bow and curtsy to her in greeting and royal protocol dictates that members of the royal family should never be touched unless they offer their own hand in greeting.
Kate surprise was notable for only a moment as she moved away from him.
She then clapped Federer enthusiastically before engaging his wife Mirka in animated conversation.
Kate was not at Wimbledon just to participate in the celebration for Federer. She was also there to cheer on several British players.
Veteran Andy Murray is among the players competing on Centre Court on Tuesday.
His opponent, Ryan Peniston, is also a Brit.
The Princess will be present to support both of them - one assumes she will not be taking sides.
Earlier in the day, she delighted fans at Court 18 by popping in to watch young Brit Katie Boulter, the world number 89, take on Australian Daria Saville (formerly Gavrilova).
With no Royal Box on the smaller courts, Kate appeared in modest stands instead, sitting between former British stars Deborah Jevans and Laura Robson.
She chatted merrily to the pair as the first set progressed, and expressed her support for Boulter. But rain stopped play at a crucial moment, with the score locked at 5-5-, forcing the Princess to retreat with her entourage under an umbrella.
Play later resumed, albeit only briefly, and was suspended again with Saville leading 6-5.
Kate is a patron of the All England Club, which runs Wimbledon.
Before Wimbledon kicked off, Kate featured in a video with Federer to highlight the work of the tournament’s ball girls and ball boys.
It’s been a sporty few days for the Waleses.
On the weekend, the Prince of Wales and Prince George headed to The Ashes to see England take on Australia in the second test.
The pair were decked out in smart casual blazers, George a navy blue and his dad a brighter shade.
As William hob-nobbed with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in an exclusive box, George could be seen chowing down on a slice of pizza.
The young prince, nine, appeared to enjoy the cricket. He could be seen smiling away as he was given a replica of the famous Ashes urm.
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