In a touching gesture, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, reached out to tennis star Andy Murray following an unexpected end to his Wimbledon campaign.
On Saturday, she took to her Instagram Stories to express her support, stating, “An incredible Wimbledon career comes to a close.
You should be very proud, Andy Murray.
Thank you on behalf of us all.” The post, set against a simple white backdrop, was signed with a charming “C,” the initial of her full name.
The message was also shared on the official X account associated with the Prince and Princess of Wales, highlighting her commitment to supporting British athletes.
Although Middleton has yet to attend any matches at Wimbledon this year, her passion for the tournament is well-known.
She used to frequent the event annually before her marriage to Prince William, and she has a long-standing connection with the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Kate has enjoyed watching matches from the Royal Box alongside her family, including her children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Over the years, she has had the honor of presenting trophies to several Wimbledon champions, such as Novak Djokovic, Elena Rybakina, and Marketa Vondrousova.
Her absence at the tournament this year has sparked speculation, particularly as she continues to undergo treatment for her health issues.
Earlier this summer, before attending the King’s Birthday Parade, Middleton candidly shared her feelings on social media, admitting that while she hoped to engage in a few public commitments, she was still navigating her treatment journey.
Despite not being physically present at Wimbledon, she remains a vocal supporter of the event through her online presence.
The emotional connection between Middleton and Murray goes beyond just social media interactions.
The two have shared moments at Wimbledon in the past, including when Prince William and Kate attended the men’s singles final in 2016, where Murray faced off against Milos Raonic.
This year, however, Murray’s journey came to an abrupt halt when his mixed doubles partner, Emma Raducanu, faced wrist issues and had to withdraw before their first match.
Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion, made history in 2013 by becoming the first British man in 77 years to win the prestigious title, followed by his victory again in 2016.
His achievements have inspired countless fans, and even though he faced disappointment this year, he remains focused on competing at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
This isn’t the first time that Kate and Andy have interacted outside of the court.
When Murray clinched his 2013 title, the Princess reportedly sent him a handwritten note congratulating him on his remarkable achievement.
Their camaraderie continued during the pandemic when they surprised young tennis enthusiasts with a video call, bringing joy to budding players during a challenging time.