‘Mortified’ Princess Kate reveals Michael Middleton’s hilarious two-word Wimbledon blunder
The Middletons and the Royal Family are regular faces at Wimbledon but Princess Kate was once embarrassed there by her dad Michael.
Princess Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton have already been spotted at Wimbledon this year, as like the Royal Family they are huge fans of tennis.
In the past, Kate has attended with her family, as her siblings Pippa and James can also be seen taking in a game from the Royal Box.
But back in 2017, Kate revealed Michael had mistakenly identified one of the UK’s most famous players with just two words in a seriously mortifying moment.
She spoke about it on the BBC documentary Our Wimbledon, presented by Sue Barker: “My father is not going to appreciate this, but we were walking past Tim Henman and we had just seen [Pete] Sampras play. My dad said very coolly: ‘Hi Pete’. I was mortified!”
Tim Henman is a British former professional who never managed to win at Wimbledon, whereas Pete Sampras is an American former No. 1 tennis player who scooped the title at Wimbledon seven times.
Princess Kate revealed Michael Middleton’s case of mistaken identity (Image: Getty)
Princess Kate has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club since 2016 and is usually there to present the trophies to the winning man and woman.
However her attendance this year has yet to be confirmed as she continues treatment for cancer, although she did make it to Trooping the Colour this year.
All England Club chair Debbie Jevans said it has not been ruled out that Kate will be there, confirming that organisers are “staying flexible” over who will conduct the trophy presentation if the Princess cannot do so.
Ms Jevans told Telegraph Sport: “We’re hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as the Club’s patron, but her health and recovery is the priority.
Princess Kate presents the winners with their trophies at Wimbledon (Image: Getty)
The Middletons often attend Wimbledon (Image: Getty)
“We don’t know what we don’t know. All we’ve said is that we’ll work with her and give her as much flexibility as possible.
“I don’t know who would present the trophies as an alternative – that’s something to consider nearer the time if necessary. We’re staying flexible. When we hear, we’ll then think about what’s the right thing to do.”
Kate is continuing to make Wimbledon a family affair, as in 2023 she brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte along to the final, although little Prince Louis had to stay at home.
