Why We Might Not See Meghan Markle at Wimbledon This Year — It's Not About Security
Meghan Markle had reportedly thought of going to Wimbledon this year but one unexpected plot twist might have thwarted her plans.
While Meghan Markle’s return to the UK in four years is already packed with public engagements and personal meetings, it appears that she was planning a side quest as well, and for a very special reason. Her close friend, Serena Williams, made a comeback to Wimbledon this year, and the Duchess of Sussex seemingly wanted to be there to support her. However, Williams' injury and crash out of the singles tournament in Round 1 on Wednesday have now cast doubt on Markle’s appearance at the Grand Slam this month.
Early reports by GBN quoted sources who claimed that the Duchess’s potential attendance at Wimbledon “depends on how Serena gets on”, adding that she was “planning to, if her diary allows”. An All England source further revealed that the tennis star’s team had been in touch about Markle’s possible appearance. However, nothing had been agreed upon as the dates had not been confirmed.
On Tuesday, Williams played against Maya Joint in the second round of the women’s singles. “Serena tweaked her right knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams,” he agent, Jill Smoller, said via the BBC. The 23-time Grand Slam champion was set to reunite with her sister, Venus Williams, for women’s doubles on Friday. However, given her swollen knee, her participation seems in question at the moment. However, Smoller added, “She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match later this week.”
With the tennis legend’s future on the grass court unclear this week, Markle may not have much incentive to visit Wimbledon amid her already hectic UK trip. Reports have also suggested that Prince Harry was planning a quick 24-hour flying visit with his wife and two kids, having just enough time to visit King Charles. If these plans go ahead, the Duchess might not have much time to see a tennis match.
Markle has a storied past at Wimbledon, and it has played a big role in her love story. In 2016, she was in London to see the iconic Grand Slam when she posed for a picture with Ralph Lauren's press relations director, Violet von Westenholz, who happened to be a mutual friend of Harry’s. The prince, who spotted the Suits actress in a fun video with Westenholz on social media, approached his friend to introduce him to Markle, marking the beginning of their beautiful romance.
With Williams’ injury and her own tight schedule, the Duchess might not drop in at Wimbledon. However, the Sussexes are expected to visit Charles and see Princess Diana’s grave at Althorp when they arrive in the UK this month.
