Royal Respect tradition continues - Kate Middleton honored with bows from Wimbledon finalists
Photo: Reuters
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, was honored in a traditional manner as she presented trophies at Wimbledon this past weekend.
Following the men's singles final between Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 14, Middleton, 42, took on the role of awarding the prizes. Both finalists paused to bow in her direction before accepting their awards.
In a video shared by ESPN, Djokovic briefly bowed as he approached Middleton to receive the runner-up trophy, a gesture reciprocated by Alcaraz before he was presented with the golden Gentlemen's Singles Challenge Cup after defeating Djokovic 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4).
Despite no longer being mandatory, the bowing tradition during trophy presentations has continued as a gesture of respect and is at the discretion of the athletes themselves. Middleton, a senior working royal and patron of the All England Club, frequently participates in awarding trophies at Wimbledon.
The tradition of players bowing or curtsying to royal family members in the Royal Box was formally discontinued in 2003, as per the wishes of the then-president of the tennis club, the Duke of Kent. Exceptions to this protocol only apply if Queen Elizabeth or then-Prince Charles attended Wimbledon.
Reflecting on the event, Djokovic expressed gratitude for Middleton's presence and her support for the tournament, particularly noting her passion for and understanding of tennis.
Middleton's appearance at Wimbledon marked only her second public engagement this year, following her announcement about her health earlier in March. She attended the final alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Middleton, receiving a warm welcome and a standing ovation upon arrival.
Kensington Palace had announced Middleton's plans to attend the men's singles final a day before, emphasizing her ongoing commitment to the sport and her public engagements despite her health challenges.