Monarch's first visit to SW19 in 33 years
The Queen has been enjoying the sunshine and meeting the public as well as tennis stars at Wimbledon - her first visit since 1977.
She was met at Aorangi Terrace by the Duke of Kent (President of the All England Club), Tim Phillips(Chairman), Philip Brook (Vice Chairman) and Ian Ritchie (Chief Executive) and presented with a posy by a ball girl.
During the rest of the day at SW19 her programme ran as follows:
She visited Court 14 to observe the Club's Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI), where she was introduced to Dan Bloxham, Head Coach, AELTC (and the official charged with demonstrating a correct bow to the male players before they go on court) and to various WJTI players.
The Queen, wearing a turquoise summer coat and matching brimmed hat with white trim, heard about the junior tennis programme for children aged 3-18 and the dedicated coaching and sports education programme that is delivered in the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth.
She then met tennis stars including defending champions Roger Federer and Serena Williams. Former champions Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King also lined-up, as well as six other top-seeded international players and British women, Laura Robson, Heather Watson, Anne Keothavong and Elena Baltacha.
The Queen enjoyed lunch of salmon, chicken and traditional strawberries at the Clubhouse along with current and former players. Presentations of mementoes of her visit were made in the miniature shape of the Men's and Ladies' Trophies.
Finally she watched some tennis action on the Centre Court where British hope Andy Murray beat Jarkko Nieminen, from Finland. At the end of the match, which ended 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to Murray, both players were presented to the Queen on the members' balcony. She then left via the main Clubhouse entrance and was driven away.
June 24, 2010