We’ve all experienced those cringeworthy moments where we wish the floor would just swallow us up—and Kate and Pippa Middleton are no exception.
While Wimbledon is known for its high-profile status and elegance, one particular tournament left the Princess of Wales and her sister Pippa in the middle of an awkward exchange during the men’s singles final.
Royal Appearances and a Slight Snub
Last year, Kate and Pippa attended the Wimbledon final along with Princess Charlotte, watching Carlos Alcaraz defeat Novak Djokovic to claim the title. Following the match, Kate stepped forward to present the trophy to Alcaraz and later introduced him to her daughter, Charlotte. In a friendly tone, she asked him who his favorite footballer was, given Spain’s upcoming Euros final that day.
The awkwardness unfolded when Pippa, standing just behind Kate and Charlotte, appeared to want to offer her congratulations as well. She gestured toward Alcaraz while Kate tried to get his attention for her sister. However, the tennis champ seemed to spot someone off to the side and unintentionally overlooked the Middleton sisters entirely.
Handling it with grace, both Kate and Pippa smiled and clapped as Alcaraz made his way off the court, trophy in hand.
This Wimbledon appearance marked Kate’s second public engagement following her announcement of a cancer diagnosis. The crowd greeted the royal family warmly as they entered the royal box, showing their support during her return to public life.
This wasn’t Pippa’s only uncomfortable moment at Wimbledon. Back in 2017, she and her mother, Carole Middleton, arrived late to Centre Court, hoping to watch Andy Murray’s match against Benoit Paire. Because they missed the official arrival window, they weren’t allowed into the royal box and were instead seated just behind it. Despite the minor setback, both appeared to enjoy the event.
Meghan Markle’s Dress Code Dilemma
Pippa’s experience echoes another high-profile misstep involving Meghan Markle. In 2019, Meghan showed up to watch Serena Williams play but wasn’t granted access to the royal box because of her outfit. She wore jeans, a black top, white blazer, and panama hat—an ensemble not in line with the Royal Box dress code.
“She wanted to come incognito, but there were problems,” a Wimbledon official commented at the time. “They couldn’t invite her into the Royal Box because she was wearing jeans—but all she really wanted to do was see Serena play.”
Strict Dress Code Rules Remain in Place
According to Wimbledon’s official website, the dress code for the members’ and Royal Box areas requires smart attire. Jeans or denim—regardless of color—are considered inappropriate. This longstanding rule has caught a few famous guests off guard, reminding everyone that even royals and celebrities are expected to follow the same guidelines.