The Queen is to step down as the Royal Patron of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Association at the end of the year in a statement released by Buckingham Palace. The move is one of a number of patronages that the Queen will now delegate to other members of the Royal Family.
The Queen’s love for horses has largely seen her prefer to attend high-profile races instead of taking in the Wimbledon Championships. However, she did attend Wimbledon in 2010, where she met players including Serena Williams, Roger Federer and Andy Murray, before watching the British No.1 take on Jarkko Nieminen on Centre Court.
Royal duties over the years have largely been managed by the Duke of Kent, however in recent years the Duchess of Cambridge, who is a keen tennis fan, has often been seen at the Championships including at a number of matches this year. She was also present in the Royal Box to see Andy Murray win his second Wimbledon title. It is she who will be taking over royal responsibilities at Wimbledon.
