Roger Federer breaks royal protocol with Kate Middleton
Roger Federer is being scrutinised by royal watchers after an awkward moment with the Princess of Wales was caught on camera at Wimbledon.
Kate had welcomed Federer and his wife to the Royal Box to watch the match between Elena Rybakina and Shelby Rogers on Tuesday.
It was when Federer greeted Kate to a standing ovation in front of the packed crowd, that he had made the controversial mistake of putting his arm around Kate as he said hello.
Royal watchers have accused the eight-time Wimbledon champion of breaking royal protocol, as they believed this action caused Kate to “flinch”, and claimed that Federer was “overstepping”.
As part of the royal protocol, it is improper for someone to touch a member of the royal family unless they offer their own hand in greeting.
This extends to the royal children, who are expected to bow and curtsy to their own parents when in public, which prompted further questions for Federer’s actions.
Despite people finding fault in Federer’s actions, the pair of good friends had laughed and enjoyed their time throughout the game.
“It did seem that Kate and Roger were getting along pretty well,” Seven News Europe Bureau Chief Hugh Whitfield told Sunrise.
“Some might say that Roger, overstepped, the mark stepped, across the fault line by putting his arm, around Kate. They’ve known each other for a long time.
“There’ll be questions about whether he broke royal protocol. I think most people were just happy to see them enjoy the day.”
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