Camilla rushes to Wimbledon for surprise appearance after back-to-back duties
Queen Camilla has taken time out of her busy schedule to make a surprise appearance at Wimbledon, after a morning filled with royal engagements. Camilla spent the morning bidding farewell to French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte as they made their way from Windsor to London to continue their three-day state visit.
Following the ceremonial farewell to the French leader, Camilla made her way to Buckingham Palace to attend a reception to celebrate 40 years of artists accompanying official overseas visits. King Charles and Queen Camilla viewed an exhibition featuring the work of 43 artists who have joined The King on 70 official visits across 95 countries and regions.
After the conclusion of the ceremony at the Palace, Camilla journeyed down to SW19 to sit back and enjoy an afternoon of tennis in the sunshine.
Accompanied by her sister Annabel Elliot, Camilla was introduced to key staff members as she arrived at Wimbledon, including Will Brierley, Lead Groundsperson, who has dedicated 20 years of service to the Club and is responsible for maintaining the Championship Courts.
She also met Lead Gardener Robin Murphy, who has recently celebrated 20 years of service and has worked tirelessly to maintain the more than 50,000 plants during the recent hot weather; and Malin Lundin, Collections Manager, who has been instrumental in bringing Wimbledon's rich history to life through displays that welcome both players and guests to the iconic courts.x
Before heading to Centre Court to soak up the action of the men's quarter finals, Camilla met with Serbian tennis champion Novak Djokovic, who will face Italian player Flavio Cobolli in his next match.
Camilla shook Djokovic's hand as she remarked: 'Oh what a treat, how nice to see you. It's lovely to see you,' before saying she had her "fingers crossed" for him in the showdown match, to which he responded: 'It will be my great honour. I appreciate it.'
Queen Camilla also met American tennis star Billie Jean King before entering Centre Court, as she told the former tennis player: 'It's very nice to see you still going strong.' King replied: 'You are too,' to which Camilla then joked: 'We try, don't we.' King added: 'Thank you for being here. It means a lot to us.'
Camilla's appearance at Wimbledon comes after several days of many royal engagements. On Tuesday, King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed French president Emmanuel Macron to the UK as they arrived for their three-day state visit.
After taking part in an official welcome ceremony outside Windsor Castle, the King and Queen joined the French leader and his wife to view the Royal Collection in the Drawing Room.
The first day of the French state visit culminated in a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle, which saw over 160 guests arrive for a white tie dinner.
Queen Camilla wore an ivory silk and crepe evening gown by Fiona Clare and a diamond and sapphire tiara that belonged to the late Queen for the glitzy event. She also wore the Legion d'Honeur French sash, Garter Star and the King's family order.
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