A wave from the Duchesses upon arrival.
Although we've seen Kate and Meghan together at events on a number of occasions, it is the first event the duchesses have attended without their husbands. They both love tennis and this was the perfect choice. I thought it a delightful engagement for their first joint outing.
It marks one of a handful of appearances for Kate until she officially resumes duties in this autumn. The Queen passed her patronage of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in December 2016. It was decidedly an ideal fit for the Duchess, who has been attending almost every year since her pre-engagement days. She's also a keen amateur player. Her love for the sport is such, George and Charlotte are said to have already taken it up, and it probably won't be long until Baby Louis is taking up the racket too!
An arrival video.
Prior to the start of play, Kate and Meghan met a number of former Wimbledon Ladies Champions, as well as some of the Championships' ball boys and ball girls to hear more about their experiences at the tournament.
Kate and Meghan met young players.
The royals also met wheelchair competitors.
Kate and Meghan met Tia Carter, representing the RAF Benevolent Fund, who performed the coin toss before the ladies' final. Tia’s father Wayne serves in the RAF, as did her mother Joyce, who sadly passed away suddenly last year. The RAF Benevolent Fund’s flagship youth support scheme, Airplay, has been a great support to Tia as she comes to terms with the loss of her mother.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Wimbledon.
The animated film below shows the evolution of Wimbledon through a single continuous tennis rally, beginning in 1877 with Spencer Gore and ending with Serena Williams. As each new era begins, the illustrative style evolves with it, capturing historic details such as radically changing fashions, pony rollers used to keep the courts in prime condition, TV broadcasts, and even the switch to yellow balls.
Kate and Meghan arrive in the Royal Box.
The duchesses take their seats.
They were photographed chatting and exchanging laughs from the moment they sat down. They obviously enjoy each other's company very much.
The royals with Gill Brook, wife of AELTC chairman Philip Brook.
Due to the men's semi-finals going considerably over schedule, not only did Meghan and Kate have the opportunity to see the ladies' semi-finals, they also saw the final two sets of an epic match between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
It was an incredibly tense match.
Following a spectacular display of tennis Novak Djokovic was victorious.
A round of applause at the end of a very memorable match.
Then it was time for the Ladies' Final.
Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, played for her 24th major singles title. Title number 24 would tie Serena with Margaret Court for the highest number of grand-slam singles titles won by a female player. The tennis pro returned to the tournament after giving birth to her daughter Olympia ten months ago. Following a life-threatening scare during the birth, it's astonishing to see her back at a Wimbledon final less than a year later. Serena and Meghan have been very close friends for several years, and she attended the Royal wedding in May. Serena's opponent is German tennis player Angelique Kerber. The former world No. 1 won major titles at the 2016 Australian Open (beating Williams) and the 2016 US Open. She has also won an Olympic silver medal while representing Germany at the 2016 Summer games. Kerber and Williams have played on numerous occasions including the Wimbledon 2016 Final where Williams was victorious.
Williams, who has met Kate at the tournament before, recently described her as a "badass". More from ET:
'The 36-year-old tennis pro is featured on the cover of InStyle for August, and in honor of the magazine's first-ever "Badass Women" issue, she was asked who she thinks is the No. 1 badass. "Well, obviously Beyoncé," she gushes. "That goes unsaid. Rihanna goes unsaid. Kate Middleton!"
Williams -- who shares one child, baby girl Alexis Olympia, with husband Alexis Ohanian -- continues on, marveling over how impressed she was when Middleton stepped out of the hospital and took pictures for the press just moments after giving birth to her and Prince William's third child, Louis, in April. "She was … standing!" Williams raves. "So, she’s officially No. 1."
Those seated in the Royal Box included tennis legends Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova.
Alas, it was not to be for Serena Williams this time. Angelique Kerber gained control very early on and won in two sets. It's a very special day for the hugely talented player, her first Wimbledon win.
A supportive hug after the match.
I'm sure Meghan was disappointed for her friend, however as anyone who follows tennis knows, Serena will be back. I thought this a particularly sweet photo, taken immediately after Serena lost. There's been such efforts in the media and among fans to pit these two women against each other. I think today proved they're firm friends.
The Duchess congratulated Angelique.
A supportive hug after the match.
I'm sure Meghan was disappointed for her friend, however as anyone who follows tennis knows, Serena will be back. I thought this a particularly sweet photo, taken immediately after Serena lost. There's been such efforts in the media and among fans to pit these two women against each other. I think today proved they're firm friends.
A royal reception for the newly-crowned #Wimbledon champion, @AngeliqueKerber... pic.twitter.com/Iixv1g0r6m— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2018
As a lifelong tennis fan, it's always a treat to see the royals at the tournament.
Wimbledon in all its glory.
The Duchess looked lovely in a very pretty bespoke Jenny Packham dress. The short sleeve, fitted dress features ruffle detailing. Packham has long been known as the 'Queen of Evening Looks', over the past couple of years we've seen her create a number of day looks for the Duchess, often with a nod to the engagement she's attending incorporated.
My favourite element of the dress? The 'tennis ball' print.
The Duchess carried a new Dolce & Gabbana bag today. The $1695 Pink Medium Miss Sicily Bag is described as "Structured grained 'dauphine' calfskin top handle bag in 'rose' pink. Carry handle at top. Adjustable and detachable shoulder strap with lobster clasp fastening."
Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi Praline Pumps.
Middleton Maven identified Kate's new sunglasses as the Ray-Ban New Rubber Youngster Sunglasses. They are available at ShopBop.
Kate accessorised with her pearl drop earrings by Swedish brand In2Design.
The Duchess debuted the pair during a day of engagements with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel in Sweden in January. Today is Victoria's 41st birthday, it's been suggested Kate may have chosen them today for that reason.
Kate also wore her Wimbledon pin.
The Duchess of Sussex wore a Ralph Lauren stripe shirt and wide-leg trousers. Pop over to Mad About Meghan to read more.
We'll see Kate in the Royal Box again tomorrow. She and William will watch the men's final at 2pm. It's possible we'll see the christening portraits before then.
