The Princess of Wales consoled Amanda Anisimova after the loss (Image: PA Wire)
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, offered words of encouragement to Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova, advising her to keep her “head high” following a swift defeat in the women’s singles final.
The Duchess, who is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, was greeted with a standing ovation as she graced Centre Court on Saturday.
In a match that lasted just 57 minutes, Kate presented the trophy to Poland’s Iga Swiatek, who clinched her first title by overpowering Anisimova with a double bagel, 6-0 6-0. Consoling a tearful Anisimova, Kate shared comforting words as the American accepted her second-place award.
Anisimova expressed her gratitude for meeting the princess, remarking: “It was such an honour to meet her.”
Princess Kate arrived for the Ladies’ Singles final as the competition’s royal patron (Image: PA)
She continued, sharing her surprise and delight at Kate’s presence: “I wasn’t sure if she was going to come out today, if she was going to be there, so it’s just really nice to see her.
“She definitely had a few things to say that were making me emotional again.
“She was really kind and she told me to keep my head high.”
Reflecting on the day’s events, Anisimova said: “I guess it was a positive of today, and I can try and focus on that and not the match.”
Swiatek said receiving the trophy from Kate was “surreal”, adding that the princess told her “some nice stuff about the performance” on Centre Court.
The elated Wimbledon champion said: “Since I was a kid, I’m a big fan of the royal family, so it was amazing and I really appreciated that.
“And I’m really grateful that it was her royal highness giving the trophy.”
During her attendance at the tennis court for the presentation, Princess Kate engaged with the ball boys and girls.
Before the final kicked off, the princess, donning a chic white belted jacket and pleated skirt ensemble, spent time with eight-year-old Lydia Lowe, who had the honour of performing the coin toss for the women’s wheelchair final.
The Princess of Wales met many of the players and ball girls (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Upon greeting her, the princess inquired if the youngster was feeling “nervous” about the big moment and jokingly sought advice, saying: “Have you got any advice for me? Because I’ve got to go out.”
Lydia, having overcome a brain injury she suffered in January 2024 which left her visually impaired and needing to learn how to walk, speak and eat all over again, confidently advised: “Don’t be nervous. Take deep breaths.”
Expressing admiration, Kate praised Lydia as a “pro” and curiously asked, “what does it mean to you to come and do this?”, to which Lydia joyfully responded: “It means loads to me.”
The princess acknowledged Lydia’s accomplishments and wished to “well done”, acknowledging her remarkable “bravery”.
Lydia took centre stage for the ceremonial coin toss representing the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust, a charity dedicated to helping disabled tennis players by providing specialist equipment and funding.
Additionally, Kate met 12-year-old Sophie Kneen, selected for the coin toss at the women’s singles final, actively involved with the AFC Wimbledon Foundation.
Reflecting on her interaction with the royal, Sophie told PA news agency reporters: “It was so, so good, and I’m really honoured to be able to meet her.
“She asked me a bit about the charity I’m with and I said how they try and encourage young girls to play sports.”
During her Wimbledon visit, Princess Kate, adorned in a bow-shaped brooch featuring the event’s signature purple and green, engaged in warm conversations with various individuals including women’s wheelchair singles champion Wang Ziying, to whom she remarked: “It’s very hot playing in this weather, isn’t it?” and “It must be nice to celebrate at Wimbledon.”
She also praised Jefferson Iweh, a ticket sales operator, spoke appreciatively to dedicated honorary steward Bob Flint, and had a delightful exchange with Wimbledon foundation host Shaniah Williams.
The princess lauded Mr Flint for his service saying: “Well done for all the years of commitment and dedication.”
Shaniah Williams, aged 23, expressed her joy in meeting Kate, stating: “It was an absolute privilege to actually meet and have a conversation with her. She’s so beautiful.
“It was really nice to catch up with her and tell her a bit about my role.”
Last year, as part of her second public engagement following her cancer diagnosis announcement, Kate bestowed the Wimbledon men’s final trophy upon Carlos Alcaraz.
The Princess of Wales with AELTC chair Debbie Jevans (Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)
On Monday, spectators spotted the Princess of Wales’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, in the Royal Box alongside other royals such as the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester.
The Queen conveyed her good wishes to tennis icon Novak Djokovic during her stint at Wimbledon on Wednesday, mentioning that she was keeping her “fingers crossed”.
Peter Phillips, the Princess Royal’s son, attended the championships on Wednesday, joined by Hugh Grant and ex-PM Sir John Major in the Royal Box.
Wimbledon basked in scorching temperatures on Saturday, with Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah, football legend Ian Wright, and Welsh songstress Katherine Jenkins among the stars soaking up the sun.
Despite sizzling conditions, the mercury didn’t quite surpass the women’s singles final day record of 31.2C set during the iconic 1976 showdown between Chris Evert and Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
Met Office weather expert Greg Dewhurst predicted: “There will be blue skies at Wimbledon throughout the day, so it will feel hot, with very high UV levels and a light wind.
“There might be a little bit more cloud around tomorrow, making it a degree lower.”