Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 8, 2025 · Entertainment

Kate Middleton Breaks Royal Protocol with Heartfelt Hug at Wimbledon!

Kate Middleton, who has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, was tasked with handing out the winners and runner-up trophies at Wimbledon in 2023

Wimbledon Woes and Royal Romps: Kate Middleton Steals the Show with Her Heartfelt Hugs

The world of tennis is abuzz with excitement as Wimbledon 2023 kicks off, and at the center of it all is none other than Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales! For this stylish royal, Wimbledon is more than just a Grand Slam tournament - it's an institution that holds a special place in her heart.

As we delve into the fascinating world of royals and tennis enthusiasts alike, it's clear that Kate has stolen the show with her warm hugs and words of encouragement. We take a closer look at the princess's most recent Wimbledon outing, where she broke royal protocol once again to connect with Tunisian tennis sensation Ons Jabeur.

Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur was tearful after coming runner-up in two consecutive finals. It was a tough time for the athlete as she also lost at the US Open Final that year

Kate's Kindness Knows No Bounds

The Princess of Wales has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, and this year was no exception. As she handed out the winners' and runners-up trophies at Wimbledon in 2023, Kate made sure to offer Ons Jabeur a reassuring hug after her consecutive runner-up finals appearances.

In an interview with Hello!, Jabeur revealed that Kate initiated the warm gesture, saying: 'She was really nice. She didn't know if she wanted to give me a hug or not.' The tennis star even joked about it being "a hug from a Princess"!

Kate, known for her kind gestures, offered words of encouragement and embraced the visibly distressed athlete in a break from royal protocol

This wasn't the first time Kate had shown her support for Jabeur; in 2022, she offered words of encouragement and a warm smile after the athlete's loss in the final. It's clear that Kate's kindness knows no bounds, especially when it comes to those who have been through tough times.

Breaking Royal Protocol: A Tradition of Warmth

Kate has long been known for her natural charm and ability to connect with adoring fans. From giving enormous hugs to midwives to chatting extensively with enthusiasts at Wimbledon, the Princess is a true embodiment of royal warmth.

In an interview, Jabeur said: 'Obviously, she was very nice. She didn't know if she wanted to give me a hug or not. I told her hugs are always welcome from me'

As we take a closer look at Kate's approach to royal protocol, it becomes clear that she's not afraid to break the rules when it comes to showing kindness and compassion. In fact, as royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told The Scholarly Note: 'The Queen once told Michelle Obama that royal protocol is rubbish...meaning that the Royal Family adapts it when it is appropriate to do so.'

Celebrity Sightings at Wimbledon

Of course, no discussion of Wimbledon would be complete without mentioning the star-studded line-up in the Royal Box! This year's tournament has seen a host of A-listers and royals alike take their seats, including none other than John Cena, Thomas Tuchel, and Olivia Rodrigo.

'For me, it was such an amazing moment. And not just that, I felt her kindness and energy around me,' said Jabeur

Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, made her first Wimbledon appearance in over two decades as she was spotted on the first day of the renowned tennis competition with her daughter, Princess Beatrice. Although the duchess wasn't seated in the Royal Box this time around, it's clear that the mother-daughter duo is still going strong.

Kate's Love Affair with Wimbledon

As we delve into Kate's love affair with Wimbledon, it becomes clear that this annual event holds a special place in her heart. From watching tennis as a child to handing out trophies at the 2023 tournament, Kate has been a steadfast supporter of the Grand Slam competition.

When she was asked what Kate had said to her, she added: 'Same thing after last year. To encourage me to be strong, to come back and win a Grand Slam, win a Wimbledon'

In fact, according to an interview with Sue Barker for a BBC documentary in 2017, Kate revealed: 'I have watched Wimbledon...that was very much part of my growing up. I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game.'

A Royal Tradition of Breaking Rules

Of course, Kate's approach to royal protocol is not unique; her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, was also known for breaking rules and showing kindness to those who needed it. As we take a closer look at this tradition of warmth, it becomes clear that royals are not afraid to bend the rules when it comes to connecting with their fans.

Jabeur with her trophy in their Ladies' Singles Final during day thirteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2023

In fact, even Prince William has been known to stray from royal protocol, as evidenced by his heartfelt hug for 78-year-old Fatima Jafari after her loss in the Grenfell Tower fire. It's a trend that Kate continues to follow, and one that leaves a lasting impression on all those who witness it.

A Royal Affair to Remember

As Wimbledon 2023 comes to a close, it's clear that Kate Middleton has once again stolen the show with her warm hugs and words of encouragement. Whether you're a tennis enthusiast or simply an admirer of royal protocol, this story is one for the ages - and one that will leave you smiling long after the tournament is over.

Jabeur in tears at the trophy presentation after her loss against Vondrousova of the Czech Republic in the Ladies' Singles Final match

So here's to Kate, the Princess of Wales: may she continue to break rules and show kindness to all those who need it, both on and off the court.

Hugs all round: 15. Vondrousova of the Czech Republic, still holding the winners trophy, hugs a tearful Jabeur of Tunisia as she leaves the court

Last year, Kate was joined by her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Matthews, for the men's final, marking her second major appearance of the year amid her cancer treatment

Kate is pictured at The All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon on July 15, 2023

Catherine, Princess of Wales, claps after Vondrousova's victory in the Women's Singles Final