Royal Protocol Meets Center Court Charm: Roger Federer’s Courtside Moment with Princess Kate Turns Heads at Wimbledon
As the crisp clink of tennis balls echoes across the hallowed lawns of Wimbledon, another kind of volley—this one of etiquette, familiarity, and whispered boundary-breaking—has captured public attention. And at the heart of it?
None other than tennis royalty Roger Federer and real royalty, the Princess of Wales.
In a tournament known for its unspoken codes and sartorial decorum, even a subtle courtside gesture can stir a royal-sized ripple.
A Breach or Just a Bond?
The moment in question unfolded during Wimbledon 2023, when Federer—fresh off retirement but never far from the limelight—took his seat in the prestigious Royal Box beside Catherine, Princess of Wales. Cameras caught what appeared to be an affectionate touch on her back and a kiss on the cheek, a warm greeting between long-time acquaintances.
But in the world of royal protocol, even warmth has rules. According to tradition, members of the royal family aren’t to be touched unless they make the first move. That guideline has previously caught other high-profile names—like Meghan Markle, Lewis Hamilton, and even Pippa Middleton—off guard in the same sacred space.
Yet this time, the Princess seemed anything but fazed.
Their camaraderie is no tabloid fiction. Federer has known the royal family for years, even giving Prince George private tennis lessons at the Middleton’s Bucklebury estate. In an interview with Town & Country, Federer later reflected on the moment:
“It was so fun sitting next to Princess Catherine. I know her quite well. She’s a big tennis fan and plays herself. Sometimes we have to watch ourselves — you talk, then it gets super quiet and you have to applaud.”
Kate, the Warm Rule-Bender
This isn’t Kate’s first unscripted Wimbledon moment either. Back in 2017, after Federer’s historic eighth Wimbledon win, she greeted him with three kisses on the cheek—a nod to Swiss tradition and perhaps a quiet acknowledgment that some bonds transcend protocol.
Fast-forward to July 2024, and Federer was back at Wimbledon—this time with wife Mirka. The pair mingled with the Duchess of Gloucester and took their seats just ahead of Kate’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. Once again, Federer seemed entirely at home in both tennis and royal circles.
More Than a Match
Wimbledon has long balanced the poise of tradition with the thrill of live drama—both on and off the court. And as the tournament continues into its second week, it’s these unscripted moments that remind us that even within institutions of prestige and precision, human connection finds a way to shine through.
Whether it’s a friendly gesture, a shared laugh, or an unspoken familiarity between legends and royals, Wimbledon proves that some of its most memorable volleys happen not between players—but between people.