Duchess Catherine has recorded a video message to mark what would have been the first day of the Wimbledon Championships in London this week – and her words have struck a chord with fans.
Narrating the video, which is filled with some of the tournament’s most iconic scenes through the years, the Duchess can be heard speaking about everything we, and most likely she loves about the sporting event – and it’s left a rather sentimental sweetener for those who are missing it amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shared by Wimbledon’s official social media channels, the video begins with the Duchess’ voice, played over scenes featuring crowds packing out the Wimbledon greens.
“350 days, 14 hours and 12 minutes between the last ball hit and when the next was meant to be,” she says.
“Over the years your support has shaped this historic event. No matter the time of day or the names on the scoreboard, you have always been there, come rain or shine. This year sadly though things are very different, but we will bide our time until we sit on the edge of our seats again and celebrate again.”
Kate and Wills are avid tennis fans, and have been regular fixtures at the tournament for many years.
(Getty)The Duchess finished: “So, when the time is right and we open the gates, we will be back again and it will have been worth the wait.”
Imagery and clips from the tournament over the years included everything from Rafael Nadal’s roaring celebration as he won the tournament in 2008, to the Duchess herself watching with anticipation from the stands.
In 2019, Duchesses Catherine and Meghan both attended the women’s final together.
(Getty)A number of fans took to Wimbledon’s social media to share their love for the new video.
One wrote: “A fabulous message, Duchess of Cambridge. We can’t wait for the excitement of next year. Wimbledon is the highlight of the British summer, 2021 here we come.”
Another added: “So sad, Wimbledon is such a great event! But as the Duchess says, it will be worth the wait”
Kate, 38, is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC), a role she took up back in 2016 after many years of attending the Wimbledon Championships.
Before that, the Queen held the role for more than 60 years – proving that the tournament has long been a part of the royal agenda.
Kate has attended the Wimbledon tournament for a number of years.
(Getty)There’s no doubt the royals would have missed watching the Championships unfold this year, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was put on hold.
That said, Kate’s words certainly reiterate to us that next year’s event will be bigger and better than ever – and certainly “worth the wait”…!
