Kate Middleton whips out rarely-seen accessory at Wimbledon in unusual royal moment

Kate Middleton was spotted with a rarely-seen accessory at Wimbledon this morning

Kate Middleton was spotted with a rarely-seen accessory at Wimbledon this morning
(Image credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty)

Kate Middleton has flashed a rarely-seen accessory on her Wimbledon visit, reminding royal fans everywhere that, behind the jewels and crown, she's really just like them.  


The Duchess of Cambridge has kicked the weekend off with a sporty bang, attending an outdoor tennis match at Wimbledon this morning. 

Kate arrived to a warm welcome at the famous Championships, where she was seated alongside Sally Bolton OBE and Tim Henman OBE in the prestigious Royal Box. The appearance marks the second athletic event in her calendar this week, having already enjoyed England's football win against Germany with Prince William and Prince George on Tuesday. 

Kate showed up to the tournament in her usual polished attire, rocking her signature chestnut locks and a pristine summer outfit. The Duchess went for the color-coordinated look, complete with a navy blazer and midi navy skirt with white polka dots. She teamed the jacket with a classic white top, which perfectly complemented the ensemble's nautical theme. 

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Sally Bolton OBE, AELTC Chief Executive accompanies HRH Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, on her official visit during Day Five of The Championships - Wimbledon 2021 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 02, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by AELTC/Anthony Upton - Pool/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton is greeted by Sally Bolton OBE at Wimbledon 

(Image credit: AELTC/Anthony Upton - Pool/Getty Images))

As for accessories, Kate kept it simple with a newly-purchased small Mulberry white handbag and white heels. She also wore pearl earrings, a delicate necklace, her iconic engagement ring —which belonged to Princess Diana—and, of course, a floral face mask. 

The elegant outfit is emblematic of the Duchess's typical style, but there was one subtle accessory that added a twist to the traditional outfit. Kate was spotted whipping out a blue phone case during Jamie Murray's doubles match at 11am, a habit that—while most people are guilty of—is rarely observed in the royal icon. The tech accessory is almost never seen in the Duchess's hands—and there's a very simple reason for that. 

AELTC/Anthony Upton - Pool/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton checks her phone in a rare royal moment 

(Image credit: AELTC/Anthony Upton - Pool/Getty Images)

While royal family members do own personal cell phones, they are reportedly discouraged from using them in public. It's advised that they keep them in their pockets or bags as much as possible, so they can be free from distractions at public engagements and formal ceremonies. 

Of course, this so-called royal protocol is actually just a guideline—and Kate is free to scroll on her phone whenever she pleases. The Duchess was photographed looking interested in the blue-encased mobile, seemingly unaware that Tim Henman is catching a curious glimpse of her screen himself. 

AELTC/Anthony Upton - Pool/Getty Images

Kate Middleton enjoys Jamie Murray's doubles match at Wimbledon

(Image credit: AELTC/Anthony Upton - Pool/Getty Images)

While it's unclear what exactly Kate was viewing on her device, it didn't seem to consume her attention for too long. The ever-professional royal ditched the phone after a few moments to catch up on the match and chat with her accompaniments, before moving into Wimbledon's Wingfield kitchen to prepare some strawberry treats with chef Adam Fargin. Now that's what we call a healthy afternoon. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.

Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.