Fergie's a return hit! As the Duchess of York makes her first appearance at Wimbledon in 25 years, how the royal sat courtside with Princess Diana - before returning to watch Venus and Serena
The Duchess of York was spotted at the first day of the renowned tennis competition in the royal box with her daughter Princess Beatrice.
Sarah, 65, affectionately known as Fergie by royal fans, looked stylish in a bright green paisley print dress complete with an emerald Van Cleef & Arpels motif bracelet.
It's the first time the ex-wife of Prince Andrew has been seen at the prestigious tennis tournament since 2000, when she watched Venus and Serena Williams during the semi finals of the women's singles.
However during the tournament the duchess wasn't seated in the Royal Box, which she had often graced alongside Princess Diana between the 1980s and 1990s.
In fact the ex-wife of Prince Andrew, has not sat in Wimbledon's Royal Box for 35 years, her last time being in 1990 alongside Princess Diana.
Fergie, who married Prince Andrew in 1986 and divorced him a decade later, donned a polka dot navy gown as she beamed and chatted to Diana throughout the event.
In 1990, the pair attended the tournament together again and a photograph capturing Diana planting a kiss on Fergie's cheek became emblematic of their vivacious friendship.
The courtside Royal Box has served as a VIP area since 1922 and includes access to a private clubhouse for lunch, along with a 'smart' dress code.
Sarah and Princess Diana met long before they were both members of the royal family.
They actually knew each other as teenagers because their mothers were friends, and they moved in similar aristocratic circles.
Their friendship grew even closer when they both married into the royal family.
Diana married Prince Charles in 1981, and it was actually Diana who helped set up Sarah with Prince Andrew, who later married in 1986.
Once both were duchesses, Diana and Fergie became close confidantes, often seen laughing together at royal events.
They were known for their rebellious streaks and shared frustration with royal protocols.
They reportedly had a falling out in the early 1990s but Fergie addressed the rumours in a 2021 interview with People.
She said: 'We promised each other we would always be together – there was never any daylight between us.
'But everybody wanted that because we were so strong together. People want to break something so strong.'
She added they were 'best friends' and that she called the Princess of Wales 'Duch'.
'She taught me so much of public life. She was so brave. We used to have the most incredible time together.'
Fast forward to today, and Fergie appeared radiant, seated beside her daughter, Princess Beatrice at Wimbledon, yesterday.
The mother-daughter duo were seen beaming as they arrived to take their seats and were seen greeting Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne, who were also seated inside the Royal Box.
Princess Beatrice, 36, looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out in a £445 blue and white striped shirt and skirt embroidered with large white flowers from Sandro Paris.
She accessorised her look with a grey crocodile-print clutch bag and wore her signature wavy auburn tresses down in a bouncy blow-dry.
Sarah had all eyes on her as she opted to wear a bright green paisley print dress complete with an emerald Van Cleef & Arpels motif bracelet - similar to one seen on Queen Camilla's wrist on royal outings.
Prince Andrew's ex-wife styled her bold and vibrant look with a simple brown box bag and simple diamond hoop earrings.
She wore her fiery locks down in a half up, half down hairstyle and chose to wear natural makeup with a hint of eyeliner and mascara.
As ever, the pair were seen watching the match unfold between Carlos Alcaraz and Fabio Fognini through their stylish sunglasses.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Russell Crowe turns heads with dapper accessory as he attends Wimbledon with fiancée Brittany Theriot
Russell Crowe cut quite the dapper figure this week when he attended the Wimbledon tennis championships in London with fiancée Brittany Theriot. The Gladiator star, 61, was all class in a dark blue suit paired with designer sunglasses and a multicoloured tartan tie. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday, Russell gave fans an insight into the meaning behind his tartan accessory. Sharing an image of him and Brittany watching the action courtside, next to a close-up of his tie, Russell revealed it was a quiet nod to his Scottish heritage. 'The tie? Fraser of Lovat. In honour of all the Lord's Lovat,' he wrote. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Russell was referring to Fraser of Lovat – a Highland Scottish clan that has been associated with the area surrounding Inverness since the 13th century. The actor's nod to his Scottish forebears elicited a raft of responses from fans, with the likes of: 'Russell, you rock that tie. I like it.' Another summed up the sentiment of many with: 'Nice tie! Colours fit you well. You look younger.' Others, however, were quick to point out that the tartan displayed on Russell's tie might not be from Clan Fraser of Lovat. 'Actually it's Fraser Hunting Ancient, not Fraser of Lovat, but it's all made-up stuff so don't worry,' one fan commented. Another added: 'He's wearing the Hunting Ancient tartan, Lovat has deeper colours.' The actor revealed on X, in January last year, after digging into his family tree, that he was related to Simon Fraser, 11th Lord Lovat, on his father's side. Fraser has the notorious honour of being the last man to be beheaded in Britain, when he was executed on Tower Hill in 1747. Sharing an image of he and Brittany watching the action courtside, next to a close-up of his tie, Russell revealed it was a quiet nod to his Scottish heritage. 'The tie? Fraser of Lovat. In honour of all the Lord's Lovat,' he wrote His killing led to the phrase 'laughing your head off' when, moments before he was put to death, a scaffold holding spectators collapsed, prompting the rebel to break out in fits of the giggles. 'Also something else that has recently come to light on my father's mother's side, via John ( Jock ) Fraser (arrived in NZ in 1841) we directly connect back to Simon Fraser. 11th Lord Lovat. Look him up,' Russell wrote at the time. 'He's quite the character. The Old Fox they used to call him. 'Seems his Machiavellian ways caught up to him at the age of 80, & he has a claim to infamy as the last man to have the head chopped off his living body in the Tower of London. His death even coined a phrase.' It comes after Russell and Brittany added fuel to the engagement fire when the actor's ladylove, 33, lifted her hand to flash a diamond ring while watching the tennis. The Art Deco-style sparkler sat in what appeared to be a platinum band and boasted several carats. Russell was clearly having a ball with his love, the two laughing and chatting together throughout the match. Brittany was glowing in a pink floral gown in pastel tones, featuring a pussy bow with a polka dot pattern. She added some mixed metal accessories, including a chunky gold watch and a silver knot bracelet. It comes after Russell ignited rumours he is set to tie the knot with Brittany in Rome. The pair had earlier sparked speculation they are engaged when Brittany was seen sporting a diamond ring. Claims are circulating that they are eyeing up an Italian wedding after reportedly visiting a church during their latest visit to the city. The couple, who started dating in 2020, visited Rome last year when Russell performed with his band The Gentlemen Barbers at the Forum Theatre. They were spotted sightseeing during their lavish getaway and reportedly visited a church in the city. 'Italy was always going to be their wedding destination. Every time they go there, they come back more in love,' an insider told Woman's Day.
North Wales Chronicle
2 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Wimbledon diary: Petra Kvitova takes the mic and Alexandra Eala flies the flag
The 35-year-old was emotional when interviewed in front of an appreciative crowd following the defeat, leaving the scene of some of the greatest moments of her career with tears in her eyes. She then took her last chance to usurp the moderator of her final post-match Wimbledon press conference, taking control of the loudspeaker to introduce her own media access to the journalists by announcing: 'I'm Petra Kvitova, and this is my last press conference here.' ***** Twenty-year-old Alexandra Eala made her Wimbledon Centre Court debut when facing reigning women's singles champion Barbora Krejcikova in the first round. The Filipino ensured the flag was flown for her nation not only via her performance – a gallant loss having taken the first set – but also through a unique accessory provided by sponsors Nike. Eala wore a hairband shaped into the form of the sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines, in a box that was printed with the Filipino proverb 'kung may tinanim, may aanihin' – 'if you plant, you will harvest'. ***** Australian actress Cate Blanchett, star of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, was in attendance alongside compatriot Rebel Wilson, known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids. New Zealander Russell Crowe was also present in the Royal Box, with the star of Gladiator and Les Miserables joined by his fiancee and fellow actor Britney Theriot. From the same industry was Sarah Lancashire, beloved for her roles in Happy Valley and The Last Tango in Halifax, whereas from the sporting world golfer Justin Rose was joined by his wife Kate. ***** 'Would I want to play three-out-of-five? No. I would rather the men play two-out-of-three. I don't think we all need to start playing three-out-of-five. I personally will not watch a full five-hour match. People can't even hold their attention long enough they say these days with phones. How are they holding their attention for five hours? ' – Jessica Pegula when asked if women would switch to a best-of-five format. You're very welcome, it was nothing! I hope your mum is doing well. Send her a kiss from me and take good care of her! ❤️ — Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 1, 2025 Emma Raducanu's second-round clash with Marketa Vondrousova will be a real draw on day three as two former grand slam winners meet at a relatively early stage in the tournament. Raducanu won the US Open aged just 18, prior to which she made her main-draw Wimbledon debut during the same season and defeated Vondrousova in a memorable match on her way to the third round. Vondrousova, who would go on to win Wimbledon in 2023, comes into their tie in good grass form having taken the Berlin Open earlier this month and will be hoping to turn the tables on the British star. Cloudy changing to light rain by late morning with a maximum temperature of 26C, according to the Met Office.
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
Wimbledon diary: Petra Kvitova takes the mic and Alexandra Eala flies the flag
The 35-year-old was emotional when interviewed in front of an appreciative crowd following the defeat, leaving the scene of some of the greatest moments of her career with tears in her eyes. She then took her last chance to usurp the moderator of her final post-match Wimbledon press conference, taking control of the loudspeaker to introduce her own media access to the journalists by announcing: 'I'm Petra Kvitova, and this is my last press conference here.' ***** Twenty-year-old Alexandra Eala made her Wimbledon Centre Court debut when facing reigning women's singles champion Barbora Krejcikova in the first round. The Filipino ensured the flag was flown for her nation not only via her performance – a gallant loss having taken the first set – but also through a unique accessory provided by sponsors Nike. Eala wore a hairband shaped into the form of the sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines, in a box that was printed with the Filipino proverb 'kung may tinanim, may aanihin' – 'if you plant, you will harvest'. ***** Australian actress Cate Blanchett, star of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, was in attendance alongside compatriot Rebel Wilson, known for her roles in Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids. New Zealander Russell Crowe was also present in the Royal Box, with the star of Gladiator and Les Miserables joined by his fiancee and fellow actor Britney Theriot. From the same industry was Sarah Lancashire, beloved for her roles in Happy Valley and The Last Tango in Halifax, whereas from the sporting world golfer Justin Rose was joined by his wife Kate. ***** 'Would I want to play three-out-of-five? No. I would rather the men play two-out-of-three. I don't think we all need to start playing three-out-of-five. I personally will not watch a full five-hour match. People can't even hold their attention long enough they say these days with phones. How are they holding their attention for five hours? ' – Jessica Pegula when asked if women would switch to a best-of-five format. You're very welcome, it was nothing! I hope your mum is doing well. Send her a kiss from me and take good care of her! ❤️ — Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 1, 2025 Emma Raducanu's second-round clash with Marketa Vondrousova will be a real draw on day three as two former grand slam winners meet at a relatively early stage in the tournament. Raducanu won the US Open aged just 18, prior to which she made her main-draw Wimbledon debut during the same season and defeated Vondrousova in a memorable match on her way to the third round. Vondrousova, who would go on to win Wimbledon in 2023, comes into their tie in good grass form having taken the Berlin Open earlier this month and will be hoping to turn the tables on the British star. Cloudy changing to light rain by late morning with a maximum temperature of 26C, according to the Met Office.
