Queen Camilla makes surprise appearance at Wimbledon

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Queen Camilla made a surprise appearance at Wimbledon on Wednesday to watch the men’s and women’s quarter-finals, including shaking seven-time champion Novak Djokovic’s hand.

Aside from wishing Djokovic luck before his last-eight clash with Italy’s Flavio Cobolli, Camilla also engaged in conversation with award-winning English actor Hugh Grant on a balmy summer day in London.

Queen Camilla wishing Novak Djokovic luck before his Wimbledon quarter-final match.

The Queen’s Wimbledon sojourn followed her and King Charles welcoming French president Emmanuel Macron and first lady Brigitte Macron to Windsor Castle on Wednesday morning for the second day of their state visit to England.

The King also hosted a state banquet on Tuesday, where Macron paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II in front of about 160 guests.

The Princess of Wales made her first appearance at a state banquet in almost two years. She is expected to be at the tennis in the days ahead, but the palace has not confirmed that.

Queen Camilla, who sat next to All England club chair Debbie Jevans in the royal box on centre court, continued a long tradition of royals attending Wimbledon.

Queen Camilla was in Wimbledon’s royal box on Wednesday, where she spoke with actor Hugh Grant (left).

The Queen has visited the grasscourt major to watch the tennis for several years in a row, while Prince William and Princess Kate – who has struck up a friendship with Roger Federer – are also regulars at Wimbledon. The late Princess Diana also used to attend the All England club at this time of year.

Princess Beatrice, her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, Duchess of York, were in the royal box for the opening day of this year’s championships.

Queen Camilla also greeted the tournament’s ball boys and girls, and was introduced to long-serving club staff members Will Brierley (lead groundsperson), Robin Murphy (lead gardener) and Malin Lundin (collections manager).

Wimbledon has again attracted some of the world’s biggest names in sport, acting and music.

Queen Camilla speaks to All England club chair Debbie Jevans in the royal box at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

Among the royal box guests this fortnight were Australia’s Cate Blanchett, Russell Crowe, Isla Fisher and Rebel Wilson, as well as Jodie Foster, Jessica Alba, Sir Ian McKellen, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sienna Miller and wrestler-turned-actor John Cena.

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and pop stars Nick Jonas and Olivia Rodrigo also popped in for some tennis at SW19, along with retired sports stars Federer, David Beckham, Ian Botham and Andrew Strauss.

There was some amusement online when cameras spotted Grant, who attended with his wife Anna, asleep in the royal box, mere minutes after speaking with the Queen.

There are about 80 seats in the royal box, and guests must receive a personal invitation from Jevans to sit there, unless you are a member of the royal family.

Marc McGowan travelled to Wimbledon with the support of Tennis Australia.

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