Kate: Queen of Wimbledon

Former tennis star and British number one Tim Henman may be on the verge of convincing the Duchess of Cambridge to be the Royal Representative at Wimbledon this year. The tournament is the most famous event in tennis, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are among the contenders this year fighting to win the coveted cup.

Speculation has been rife since the announcement of the engagement that Kate was being lined up for the role. As a major tennis fan, Kate is simply the perfect choice. She has attended matches at Wimbledon and has been described as 'tennis mad'. The stunning 29 year old would be the perfect addition to one of the most famous sporting events held in Britain. It has been suggested that she may present the trophy instead of the Duke of Kent. Princess Diana once executed this role and thoroughly enjoyed it. Prince William is reluctant for his new bride to be in the glare of the spotlight. Tim Henman has been invited in to convince Kate it would be the right choice for her. Henman has close links with the Middleton family. Weeks before the Royal wedding William and Kate were seen playing tennis at Queen's club in West London. A friend said 'Kate adores everything about tennis and would love to have an official role at Wimbledon'. I am a huge tennis fan, with a particular interest in Wimbledon, The tournament being on June 20, I'm hoping to see Kate in the Royal box, Even though his tennis career is over we will be hoping Tim Henman can persuade the Duchess. 'Come on Tim'. :) 

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Kate Recycles McQueen Sailor Dress for Wimbledon

William and Kate made a surprise appearance at day nine of Wimbledon today to watch Roger Federer take on Mikhail Youzhny on centre court.

Wimbledon Twitter

It is William and Kate's first Wimbledon appearance of the year. Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton sat in the royal box yesterday and Pippa and James attended last week. Prince Charles also made his first appearance at the tournament in forty years last week.

Rennae Stubbs Twitter

There was a loud ovation when the couple entered the royal box.

William and Kate sat beside Anthony and Jane Henman, parents of former British player Tim Henman and exchanged jokes throughout the match.

Wimbledon Twitter

Kate has been a huge supporter of tennis for year and has attended several matches over the years. The 30 year old is also a keen player.

Wimbledon Facebook

The couple enjoyed a private chat during the match.

The couple who are expected to travel to Edinburgh later today for a Thistle Service tomorrow where William be installed as 'knight of the Thistle' looked happy and relaxed in the royal box.

Wimbledon Twitter

Australian tennis player Rennae Stubbs was very excited about seeing the royals :)

Rennae Stubbs Twitter

The always incredible Roger Federer beat his opponent in three sets. Speaking about the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge the Swiss player said

'I think it helps when royalty shows up and other legends of the game come to see me play. I think it's inspiring. I'm happy they came to support tennis and to support me. It was very special'.

Wimbledon Twitter

After a short break the royals returned to their seats to watch British number one Andy Murray play against Spain's David Ferrer.

Kate never fails to impress at Wimbledon with her sartorial choices and today was no exception. The Duchess recycled the £1,100 Alexander McQueen cable knit sailor dress she first wore in Charlottetown for Day 5 of the Canada tour. A beautiful piece and simply perfect for the occasion.

The Mirror

The dress was worn by actress Sarah Jessica Parker in 2006. We also see Kate wearing it exactly one year ago. Did you prefer it today?

Red Carpet Awards

The Daily Mail article noted Kate's dress is somewhat similar to the tennis style from the 1920s.

Daily Mail

A look at the back of the dress.

Kate carried her Jaeger Kate Bag. The quilted leather bag is currently available for £75 reduced from £150.

Jaeger

Kate completed the look with her navy Prada shoes and Princess Diana's navy and sapphire earrings. Unfortunately the couple had to leave before the match ended but will no doubt be happy to hear Andy Murray won. See you all tomorrow for the thistle service!

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Kate and Pippa Cheer on Murray in Wimbledon Final

Duchess Kate, accompanied by her sister Pippa, spent the afternoon in the Royal Box at the Wimbledon men's final between Roger Federer and Andy Murray.

The Wimbledon final is one of the highlights of the summer and with Kate in the Royal Box there was an even bigger buzz surrounding the match. William did not attend due to 'prior commitments'. 

AP

A little more on William's 'prior commitments' :)

Richard Palmer Twitter

Interestingly Kate drove Pippa to the match.

@Iamreana Twitter

A record twenty million viewers tuned in and nearly 31,000 fans filled every seat on Centre Court and the coveted tickets were rumoured to have fetched £32,000 for a pair. 

Reuters

Kate mingled with other guests in the royal box. 

Wimbledon Facebook

It is Kate's second visit to Wimbledon this week. Last Wednesday the Duchess was accompanied by Prince William in the Royal Box to watch today's finalists triumph in the semi finals. (Please click here to read my post on that appearance.)

Wimbledon Facebook

The Royal Box has been used for the entertainment of friends and guests at Wimbledon since 1922. It contains 74 dark green Lloyd loom wicker chairs. British and overseas royal families are invited as well as supporters of tennis, tennis players and their families, commercial and media organisations. Guests are invited to the Clubhouse for lunch and drinks at the end of the day. The dress code is smart and ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they obscure the vision of those seated behind them.

Wimbledon Twitter

Today the Royal Box included The Duchess of Gloucester and British Prime Minister David Cameron, David and Victoria Beckham and the Duke of Kent who presented the trophy in his role as President of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club.

Wimbledon Facebook

Let's take a look at our finalists........

Wimbledon Twitter

British number one Andy Murray is the first British player to make it to the final in seventy four years. The 25 year old has made it to three grand slam finals but has yet to win one. Speaking about his chances Murray said it would be 'difficult but not impossible'. He followed his regular routine this morning by having a lie in, taking a walk and eating some healthy snacks. With Kate and the people of Britain cheering him on, could this be Andy's big day? Notably, the last Brit winner, Virginia Wade won in 1977, the Queen's last Jubilee year. 

Sunday Express

What can I say about the sublime Roger Federer to sum up his career and contribution to tennis thus far? The Swiss player has won a record sixteen grand slams and is the only male player in history to have reached the title match of each Grand Slam tournament at least five times. He is also the only male player to have reached the Wimbledon final eight times. I think the stats speak for themselves...... At this juncture in his career more wins could only further cement his place in the history books. Speaking about the final Federer said, 'There is a lot on the line for me but I'm in a good place mentally.'

Wimbledon Facebook

Kate and Pippa enjoyed chatting and joking. Lovely to see them together again. Their parents Michael and Carole were also in attendance.

It was an unforgettable afternoon of tennis with both players showcasing their abilities wonderfully. After four sets Roger Federer won his seventeenth grand slam. 

Wimbledon Twitter

Andy made an incredibly emotional speech which reduced many (including myself) to tear. He was gracious in defeat but clearly devastated. 

For the Tennis enthusiasts among you, you may enjoy taking a look at the Wimbledon Shop.  They are currently offering free personalisation on their towel collection and feature collections by Kate favourites Ralph Lauren and Links of London.

Wimbledon Shop

It was a day for recycling for the Duchess who wore the sleeveless scoop neck Joseph Vanessa dress we first saw her wear during the Canada tour. The acetate/polyester dress was available for $425 before being reduced to $215. It has been sold out for quite some time.

My Daily

Kate recycled the Joseph Nessie Tweed Jacket she wore to the Epsom Derby in June 2011. The fabric basket tweed jacket features four front buttons and anchor stamped buttons. 

Joseph/Selfridges

Kate wore her favourite £195 LK Bennett Sledge Pumps.

LK Bennett

Kate carried her €335 DVF leopard - print snakeskin clutch. 

Net a Porter

Kate accessorised with her £495 Kiki McDonough Citrine Drop Earrings.

Kiki McDonough

Kate wore two necklaces, one of them is a gold plated acorn pendant designed by Kristin Magnusson. It is one of many wonderful pieces in her handmade nature collection  (With thanks to What Kate Wore)

Kristin Magnusson

Today is the first time in quite a while we've seen Kate wear sunglasses. Both Kate and Pippa wore Givenchy  (With many thanks to the incredible Anna from My Small Obsessions)

Givenchy

Pippa also looked chic in the Project D Phoebe Blue Bird Peplum Dress (With thanks to the wonderful ladies at What Kate Wore FB and Tanja) The printed floral dress was available for €430 and was previously worn by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. Both Kate and Pippa look radiant today. I wonder if they chose what to wear together? :)

Project D/Red Carpet Fashion Awards

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Kate at Gymnastics, Kaleidoscope Kate, Princes' Play Polo,

Duchess Kate watched the Olympic Gymnastics in the North Greenwich Arena today.

Reuters

The North Greenwich Arena hosts the Gymnastics, Trampoline Gymnastics, Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball competitions. It is located on the Greenwich peninsula on the banks of the River Thames. Originally built for the Millennium celebrations, the arena has been transformed into an entertainment destination featuring 20,000 seats.

London 2012

Kate wore her Team GB fleece and pearl drop earrings again today. She was accompanied by her private secretary Rebecca Deacon.

With many thanks to Grace

The Princes are noticeably absent at the Olympics today, as they are playing a charity polo match in Cirencester. The brothers raised money for several of their charities including Centrepoint.

Rebecca English Twitter

However they will join Kate tonight for the 100m finals. Before that we expect to see Kate watch Team GB handball.

Richard Palmer Twitter

As you all know Kate is a huge tennis fan and will no doubt be delighted to hear Andy Murray beat Roger Federer in the men's singles. Andy is the first British tennis player to win gold in over a hundred years. Wonderful to see Andy with a gold medal, he deserves it.

London 2012

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The Daily Mail has carried out a survey of outfits worn by Kate in the past two years and the results have dismissed claims Kate only chooses drab colours.

Daily Mail

Blue has been Kate's 'go to' colour over the past two years, making up 21% of her colour choices.

Daily Mail

Neutral tones are a trademark of Kate's with grey noticeably making up 16% of her choices.

Daily Mail

White is Kate's third most popular choice accounting for 10%.

Daily Mail

Brown and red also account for 10%. Personally I think red is very much Kate's colour and works wonderfully with her skin tone and colouring.

Daily Mail

Purple and Pink make up 12%. The lilac McQueen gown and the rose Jenny Packham look stunning side by side.

Daily Mail

What colours do you think work best for the Duchess? 

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