Queen Camilla made a surprise appearance at Wimbledon, greeting British tennis player Arthur Fery as he prepared for a significant match.
Fery, 23, was in the players' entrance, reportedly tying his shoelaces alongside his opponent Flavio Cobolli, when the Queen approached him. Upon turning and standing, Fery was met by Camilla, who extended her hand. He was heard to say, "Nice to meet you."
The encounter marks a notable moment for Fery, who has had a breakout performance at the Championships this year. Before the grass season began, the player, who was ranked outside the top 150, had only two career Tour-level wins. He has since quadrupled that total in less than a month. His victory against Grigor Dimitrov on his Centre Court debut saw him become the first wildcard in over a decade to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
Camilla attended day 10 of the championship wearing a cerulean Anna Valentine dress. She was accompanied by her sister, Annabel Elliot, and newlyweds Peter and Harriet Phillips. The Royal Box is a traditional viewing spot for the siblings during the event.
During her time at the grounds, the Queen greeted former British number one Heather Watson, as well as 15-year-old Ball Boy Zebedee and Ball Girl Aniya. She also spoke with Morag Ranford of the press operations team and Peter Dobson, the retiring Safety Officer. Additionally, she met Richard Gammage, CEO of City Harvest, a charity involved in tackling food waste at the event.
Peter Phillips, son of Princess Anne, and his wife Harriet, who recently married in June, were also present. Harriet Phillips wore a checked ensemble from Emilia Wickstead.
This appearance follows a busy week for the Queen, which included a visit to Ashdown Forest to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Winnie the Pooh book. Ashdown Forest served as the inspiration for A. A. Milne's Hundred Acre Wood. She also visited The Half Moon Pub in Plumpton, where she grew up, and was described by staff and locals as a "real character" and a "lovely lady."