Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle joined forces today for a rare joint appearance at the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles final. The double Duchesses were all smiles today, laughing and warmly chatting, which should hopefully end rumors of a rift.
Kate’s sister Pippa Matthews, also an avid tennis fan and close friend of Roger Federer, joined the Royal moms in the Centre Court box as they watched Simona Halep defeat Serena Williams 6-2, 6-2. The Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex could be seen leaning in to each other, obviously enjoying each other’s company and the tennis.
“Kate and Meghan had always planned to attend the final together. Not only is it something that they enjoy, it’s also a chance to remind people that the tabloid stories about their relationship have been wide of the mark,” a source told ELLE.com.
Kate, who is Royal Patron of Wimbledon after taking over the role from the Queen, arrived earlier than Meghan to meet with players and attend a lunch.
But the mom of three also made the winner Simona Halep’s day. Just days ago, the Romanian shared it was her dream to see the Duchess of Cambridge courtside at her match.
“If you could have one person watching you from the royal box [for the finals], who would it be?” a reporter asked after her semifinal victory beating Wimbledon darling Coco Gauff.
“Kate,” she said. “I like her.”
Kate recycled an emerald green Dolce and Gabbana dress today from her 2016 Canadian tour with Prince William, in a nod to Wimbledon’s color scheme. Meghan was dressed in a crisp white Givenchy blouse she previously wore to the Endeavor Awards, paired with a $545 flowing Hugo Boss plisse pleated chiffon skirt. She accessorized with a cream-colored bag designed by Stella McCartney in a subtle nod to both of her wedding dress designers. (Meghan wore Givenchy for her ceremony and Stella McCartney for her reception.)
A star-studded who’s who were on hand to see Serena Williams attempt her first Wimbledon victory since becoming a mother. Martina Navratilova, Pharrell, Woody Harrelson, and UK Prime Minister Theresa May were among the many A-listers enjoying the sunshine at Wimbledon with Kate, Meghan, and Pippa.
It is Meghan and Kate’s second appearance attending the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles final together after being front and center in the Royal Box last year.
The Wimbledon visit should dampen speculation, once and for all, that there is any ongoing rift between Prince William and Prince Harry’s wives. Just days ago, both women put on a united front, making another joint appearance at a charity polo match joined by their children while their husbands raised money for some of their favorite charities at the Billingbear Polo Club in Wokingham, Surrey. It was a Royal family affair with the Cambridges and Sussexes coming together—a special moment Princess Diana surely would had enjoyed.
Prince George and Charlotte were more interested in kicking around a soccer ball than their father’s polo performance. It was little Louis though who stole the show toddling about and stealing his mom’s sunglasses, smiling at his Auntie Meghan and attempting to entertain his first cousin Baby Archie. Meghan could be seen cradling her newborn son underneath the shade and staying close by Kate and the kids, tenderly planting a kiss on Baby Archie, for the family day out.
Kate was extremely supportive of Meghan during her pregnancy and has wanted to make Meghan’s transition to Royal life as seamless as possible. “Catherine and Meghan enjoy seeing each other, and motherhood has definitely brought them closer together,” a source told ELLE.com.
Rumors that William didn’t get on with Meghan are also far off the mark, with the couples appearing closer than ever since Archie’s birth in early May.
While the Duchess of Cambridge is Royal Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Meghan has also been a regular visitor to the grass court championships. Meghan has been spotted courtside for the last several years to support tennis superstar Serena Williams. And Serena spoke warmly of their friendship. “She couldn’t be a better friend to me—low moments, high moments, she’s always there, and that’s what I want to be to her.”
Meghan attended Wimbledon on July 4 to support Serena’s quest to match Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Meghan was joined by one of her oldest and dearest friends Genevieve Hillis, who with Serena co-hosted Meghan’s baby shower in New York City earlier this year.
It’s a busy weekend for both women. Kate will attend Wimbledon again Sunday with Prince William to watch the men’s final with Roger Federer also chasing history in the record books, facing off against Novak Djokovic, another Wimbledon favorite. (Federer, at 37, will become the oldest tennis player to ever win a major championship if he beats Djokovic tomorrow.) Meanwhile, Meghan, who has been making “intermittent appearances during her maternity leave,” will be at Harry’s side Sunday for the red carpet The Lion King premiere.