Roger Federer says sitting with Kate Middleton was ‘fun’ at Wimbledon, but they were ‘careful’ not to break protocol
WHILE Roger Federer may have retired from playing professional tennis, this hasn’t stopped him from enjoying the sport.
And this year, he attended Wimbledon as a spectator, enjoying the annual event with the Princess of Wales.
The Centre Court Royal Box is a sought after place to watch each match take place and it’s invitation only.
Federer, 41, was lucky enough to have received an invitation for day two of the tournament, where he sat in the royal box with Kate Middleton, 41, and his wife Mirka Federer, 45.
Speaking about the experience, he said: “It was so fun sitting next to Princess Catherine.
“I know her quite well. She is an avid tennis fan, and she plays herself.”
Speaking to Town & Country, he added: “Sometimes we have to be careful we don’t speak too much. You can talk, and then it’s super quiet, and then you have to applaud.”
There are strict rules for when it comes to watching Wimbledon with a royal, including dressing in smart attire and speaking with an appropriate distance between guest and royal.
Federer and Princess Kate have been friends for quite some time now and the tennis pro has even visited Kate’s parents’ home in Bucklebury to give Prince George, now 10, a private lesson.
Speaking on the experience, he shared: “At that stage it’s all about just touching the ball, it’s already good. Same with my boys.
“I think I have a little advantage that I actually spent some time, you know, with him. I’m the only player he’s ever met. Then you have a little head start on who is your favourite player.”
He added: “I love to see that they’re into tennis or into sports … his mum has always enjoyed their tennis … I hope that he’ll still say the same in a few years’ time.”
Meanwhile, Australian former world number one Rod Laver previously revealed that Kate and her husband Prince William, 41, regularly go head-to-head on court.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, the 84-year-old said: “I’d met William and Kate a few times, and in the Royal Box you get a chance to chat with them a little bit.
“They play tennis against each other. William told me he couldn’t beat her.”