Princess Kate jokes with Roger Federer as she cheers on Andy Murray at Centre Court in glam green and white ensemble
PRINCESS Kate has been seen sharing a joke with tennis legend Roger Federer in Wimbledon's Royal Box as she cheered on Andy Murray.
The Princess of Wales looked chic in a green and white ensemble as she took to the stands - just after having to flee the rain when supporting young British star Katie Boulter on nearby court 18.
She had made a rare royal appearance at one of the smaller courts for Boulter's encounter - but headed to Centre Court for Murray's match and a reunion with Federer.
She and the retired Swiss star were seen chatting and laughing.
They evidently enjoyed being back in each other's company after previously teaming up for a pre-Wimbledon event.
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Federer, who retired last year, had joined Kate in a video before this year's tournament started.
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The pair were filmed playing tennis together - with a cheeky ball girl telling Kate that she had broken Wimbledon protocol.
Federer's appearance in the Royal Box today marked his first return to Centre Court since retiring in September.
The 41-year-old, fresh from appearing on stage with Coldplay in Zurich over the weekend, received a rapturous standing ovation and looked visibly moved before taking his seat next to the princess.
Despite today's grey weather, Kate remained cheerful as she first popped up an official Wimbledon umbrella to leave Court 18 when play was suspended for the match between Boulter and Aussie Daria Saville.
Boulter, serving to stay in the first set at 5-6, was forced to ditch her racket and flee the rain.
Kate also sported a £75 gold high street bracelet from French brand Sézane.
A moustachioed Danny Dyer was among the other famous faces watching day two of the tournament.
Centre Court hosted a battle of the Brits between Murray and with world number 268 Ryan Peniston which finally got under way at 3.50pm, with Murray winning the first game by holding serve.
He went on to beat his opponent 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 during the clash in the first round at Wimbledon.
The rivals shared a hug at the end of the tense match which lasted just over two hours.
Peniston, 27, from Southend, said he “almost crashed” his car when he found out he would be facing two-time champ Murray, 36, in the first round.
Murray later became the first to break his opponents' serve to take a 4-2 lead in the opening set, which he went on to win 6-3, in what was Peniston's first appearance on Centre Court.
Murray's triumph today means he will most likely have to face No 5 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round.
British players Heather Watson, Dan Evans, Sonay Kartal, and Arthur Fery were also being called into action today.
British tennis No1 Cameron Norrie later scored a hard-fought victory over Tomas Machac with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 win.
The 27-year-old said simply coming out on the Wimbledon court "put a smile on his face", while his triumph was the icing on the cake.
Rain was expected to batter SW19 today with thundery showers forecast before hopefully clearing later this afternoon.
Yet continuing showers meant matches were suspended until at least 3.30pm on all courts except Centre Centre and Court One where play started under roofs.
Centre Court action began with defending women's champion Elena Rybakina playing Shelby Rogers while on Court One top men's seed Carlos Alcaraz beat Jeremy Chardy.
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On day 1 Venus Williams and Coco Gauff crashed out in stunning fashion, while champion Novak Djokovic overcame Argentine World No 57 Pedro Cachin to secure his place in round two.
No 9 seed American Taylor Fritz was due to continue his first-round match against Yannick Hanfmann which was suspended last night, while his US counterpart Frances Tiafoe was scheduled to begin his campaign later today.