This is the first Wimbledon since 2011 when we’ve had a Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales-style debut. This moment was another key step in her path to royalty. She joined Prince William in the royal box to watch the exciting fourth-round match. Fans and fashionistas of all kinds went wild over her.
Middleton made headlines for a show-stopping, white child-size, tiered dress by Temperley London that day. Through the sophisticated aesthetic of this beautiful gown, with its hand embroidered straps and floaty, ruffled skirt, we were immediately put in the mood of elegance and grace. She finished off her look with nude heels and a coordinating Stuart Weitzman clutch. That cocktail dress, teamed with the hat, stunningly recalled her bridal outfit from her wedding to Prince William at Westminster Abbey.
She selected an all-white garb — perhaps a nod to her recent marriage. This decision made the overlap with her royal duties and personal life even more pronounced. Middleton has loved tennis since she was a kid, and this event was yet another example of her lifetime love for the game.
“I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up. It’s such a quintessential part of the English summer, and I think it really inspires youngsters. It inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game. It hasn’t changed either; I think that’s what’s so wonderful.” – Princess Kate
Beyond lovely photo ops, Wimbledon has one of the strongest traditions in tennis, as well as some of the greatest statistics of all time. In addition to the players, the tournament uses Rufus the hawk, who has been patrolling the court for ten years now. Each day, he takes to the air above the lawns to chase down pigeon invaders. It locks the courts in a state of pristine condition.
During the tournament, Wimbledon uses more than 50,000 tennis balls. After the first seven games, they start refrigerating these balls to keep their bounce topped off. Last year, Kent’s Hugh Lowe Farm produced the nearly 1.5 million berries that are Wimbledon’s signature refreshment.
The world’s oldest golf tournament is known for its storied history and legacy of unbelievable achievements. Interestingly enough, the longest match in professional tennis history took place in June 2010 between John Isner and Nicolas Mahut. That torturous battle raged for an incredible 11 hours and 5 minutes over the course of three days.
After its debut in 2021, the tournament continues to get more exciting every year. Winners of the ladies’ and gentlemen’s singles championships will each receive a whopping £2.2 million, highlighting the honor and tradition of Wimbledon.
