Thursday 4 July 2019

Duchess Meghan Celebrates 4th of July Cheering Serena at Wimbledon

The Duchess of Sussex made a surprise 4th of July visit to Wimbledon to cheer on close friend Serena Williams in the second round of the championships.


The Duchess arriving.


Meghan and Serena have been close for several years and in 2016 (the summer Harry and Meghan met) she was courtside at Wimbledon twice to cheer on Williams. In a piece for her lifestyle blog the Tig, Meghan shared the following on their friendship: "We hit it off immediately, taking pictures, laughing through the flag football game we were both playing in, and chatting not about tennis or acting, but about all the good old fashioned girly stuff. So began our friendship. She quickly became a confidante I would text when I was traveling, the friend I would rally around for her tennis matches, and the down to earth chick I was able to grab lunch with just a couple weeks ago in Toronto. We are both the same age, have a penchant for hot sauces and adore fashion, but what connects us more than those things is perhaps our belief in exceeding expectations – our endless ambition. Serena is undoubtedly one of the best tennis players the world has ever seen."


For 4th of July celebrations, Meghan was joined by two of her closest friends from Northwestern University, Lindsay Roth and Genevieve Hillis, on Court No 1 for an afternoon of tennis. Omid Scobie reports both ladies are visiting ahead of Archie's christening on Saturday. One can safely assume they have both been chosen as godparents for the Sussexes' seven-week-old son. Palace aides told reporters yesterday all chosen individuals are private citizens outside the public eye. Seeing Lindsay and Genevieve by Meghan's side today is very much confirmation of that. No doubt they will continue to mark the US holiday back at Frogmore this evening.


During her first year at Northwestern, Meghan became firm friends with Lindsay Roth and the two have been best friends since: "We’re the kind of friends who can be 3,000 miles away and still be talking about or thinking the same thing, and even texting each other the same thing at the same time miles away." Lindsay is now a published author primarily known for her book What Pretty Girls Are Made Of.


Meghan was Lindsay's maid of honour and gave her a very special gift before the big day. From the New York Times: "When Lindsay Roth’s maid of honor called and said that she needed to fly to Toronto, she knew Ms. Markle had something up her sleeve. The maid of honor, Meghan Markle, an actress in the television drama "Suits," had arranged for her to have a private fitting at the Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay in Toronto. 'I felt like the most special bride,' Ms. Roth said. When Ms. Roth tried on a Zuhair Murad gown, her entourage confirmed what she already knew. 'I knew before I even saw myself in the mirror that it was 'The Dress.' The icing on the cake was an Oscar de la Renta veil of cascading flowers that completed the look. 'At the end of our wedding night I didn’t want to take the dress (and earlier, the veil) off,' said Ms. Roth. 'I’d have slept in it if I could’ve!'"


Genevieve Hillis has been a dear friend and confidante of Meghan for almost two decades. Biz Journal reports Genevieve is director of government affairs at family company Direct Supply. Genevieve co-hosted Meghan's New York baby shower with Serena Williams.

Embed from Getty Images

The scene at sunny Wimbledon today.


Serena is seeking her 24th Grand Slam title at the tournament. She played against 18-year-old Slovenian Kaja Juvan.


Enjoying the game.


More from Wimbledon:

'Serena Williams' quest for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title briefly appeared in danger on No.1 Court as teenage tyro Kaja Juvan took the first set. However, the veteran Williams imposed herself to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-4.
Williams began slowly, too slowly, suddenly finding herself 3-0 down, which must have been a surprise to her friend the Duchess of Sussex, as she settled into her seat. Before Williams knew it the first set had gone, 6-2 in 27 minutes. Champions, however, do not fold easily and by now news may have seeped through that Angelique Kerber, who beat Williams in last year's final, was out, and would not bar her way to that title.
Stepping up a gear Williams broke early in the second set and ruthlessly pressed home the advantage taking the stanza 6-2. In the third set Williams pounced in the fifth game, breaking her younger opponent. The match appeared then to hurtle towards the finish with a brace of love games for Williams but at 2-5 down the teenager rallied. Breaking Williams' serve she got to 4-5 before Williams finished the job with an ace.'

Applause from the Duchess as Serena hit the winning point in the second set.


It seems incredibly fitting for the Duchess to mark 4th of July with two of her closest friends supporting the greatest female American tennis player of all time.


Afterwards, a young boy representing the US in a star spangled outfit was delighted to meet Meghan.


Meghan opted to wear a smart casual look for the afternoon of courtside action.


Readers will recognise Meghan's L'Agence Brea Pinstripe Blazer from the couple's visit to Australia last October.


The style is tailored from a white linen and cotton blend with black pinstripes and has lightly padded shoulders. It's on sale for $199 at Saks Off Fifth (with thanks to What Meghan Wore).


UPDATE: Additional photos have surfaced, showing Meghan did not wear Outland Denim. The amazing Liz from Meghan's Fashion identified the jeans as the Mother Swooner Ankle Slice style.


Meghan accessorised with Finlay & Co Henrietta sunglasses (with thanks to UFO No More).


The £120 pair are described: "The Henrietta is a sumptuous cat eye with shallow lenses which sweep upwards. Handcrafted in our workshop in Northern Italy from the finest mazzucchelli acetate, featuring 5-barrel hinges and fitted with Carl Zeiss lenses for full UVA/UVB protection." They are available in multiple colours on the Finlay London website.


And her favourite Madewell x Baltimore Panama hat. It's been a staple in Meghan's closet, and a trusted Wimbledon piece for years.


Meghan accessorised with her £50 Pippa Small Nosheen Stud earrings. They are made in Kabul by artisans of the Turquoise Mountain Foundation. The initiative was established in 2006 by Prince Charles to aid the revival of artisan industries in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Myanmar.


Anne suggests Meghan's ring could be the Jessica McCormack Signature Sapphire Heart Ring.


And a new 'A' pendant for Archie. 


Hello! confirms the piece is the One Letter Necklace by Verse. The Australian fine jewellery brand was created by Central Saint Martins Alumni Emma Swann in 2013 from a small workshop in the heart of Sydney. The talented UFO No More team notes Meghan wore their love heart necklace in Australia.


A very Happy 4th of July to our American friends!

62 comments:

  1. Yea!!! I was hoping Meghan would make an appearance at Wimbledon.

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  2. Serena Williams won, and we got to see the Duchess of Sussex with her college friends. What a sweet picture! Win, win for the USA! Happy Fourth of July! Thanks, Charlotte for the website! Parthenia

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  3. So glad that Serena got triple support today and won! Meghan looks like her usual wonderful self. And perhaps we now know two of the godparents? It's lovely that Meghan remains close friends with her special people; I imagine she's having a great week.

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  4. Lovely to see Meghan with her friends on a girls afternoon out. Is this Meghan's first outing without Harry since Archie's birth? The little chap's name is starting to grow on me!

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  5. The jeans seem a bit too casual. Not too casual for the ordinary people at Wimbledon, but for someone of her status. Was she in the official "Royal box"? (Is that a thing?) Her friends looked nice and more appropriate. Ironically, I would think that they would be overdressed if they were just there on their own. But as guests of Meghan, they look good.

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    1. They were on Court 1, so no Royal Box. I think the jeans are fine then!

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    2. The Royal Box is only in centre court. Meghan was not there.

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    3. Serena was playing in Court 1, not Centre Court so they were not sitting in the royal box. If they were in the royal box Meghan might have dresses up a bit more, but it is perfectly fine for Court 1.
      Wimbledon is a strange sporting event. When I attended a couple of years ago I was dressed very much like Megh’s friends, summer dress and sandals with a small heel. Even though I only had a ground pass and spend the majority of the day sitting on the ground on Henman Hill I did not feel overdressed for a moment.

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    4. I love her look. Casual and classy and I am so happy she wore her hat. She's not working today she is having a girls day out.so perfect

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    5. An anecdote: My sister, largely by chance, once got to attend Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in the same year. For those who may not know, the U.S. Open takes place in Queens, a borough of New York City. (Sorry if I’m over-explaining, but we do seem to have an international group here.) She said she felt terribly underdressed at Wimbledon and terribly overdressed at the Open, while wearing the exact same outfit. :-)

      CJ

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  6. Meghan looks good. I love the blazer, jeans, black top, hat, sunglasses. In fact I like everything about the outfit except for the shoes. Stilettos with jeans is something I'm never going to like. This outfit would have been adorable with some sandals or wedges. It's great that she was there to support Serena and good to see her looking so happy.

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  7. Great to Meghan have a girls day out with her varsity friends. My university friends and I try to get together once every couple of years and it is always one of the highlights of my year.

    I have long suspected that Archie’s godparents might not come from Harry and Meghan’s celebrity friends, but rather rather people from way back. If I had to chose godparents for my child it will be the friend I have known since we were both 13. Since then I have made lots of other great friends, but there is nobody I would rather entrust my child to.

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  8. I agree that it seems like the ladies are likely godparents although I read that Lindsay is Jewish.

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  9. I'm not a fan of the oversized blazer- skinny jean look...she wears it kinda frequently. I do usually like her casual style!

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  10. Loved seeing her with friends, laughing and having fun, and loved the simple, monochrome outfit. -op

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  11. Any clue about her little finger ring?

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  12. so happy to see her today surrounded by her dear friends and that Serena won

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  13. Oh, I thought she would go. Great to see her! When she's not seen, the press just makes up a nasty story. Maybe we'll have one "nice to Meghan Day" today. Glad she's surrounded by good friends & looks happy.

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  14. Señorita Dee4 July 2019 at 22:34

    The shoes and hat really ruin this outfit for me. She really should have worn this outfit to the baseball game (with the flats) and the dress to Wimbledon today. Regardless of the court, I don’t remember seeing people wearing jeans. The whole look misses the mark for me, even though she looks fine with the pieces. Except the hat.

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    1. Yes, switching them would have been better!

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    2. Clearly you've never been to Wimbledon

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    3. The trip to the baseball game, was i think, more offical as a 'HRH' suport her husband & his charity. This is likely to be 'private Meghan' attending the tennis - and not sitting in the Royal box so smart casual attire is fine. I have, several years ago, camped out overnight to join the famous 'Q' for tickets so attended Wimbleton looking like something the cat dragged in - no one seemed to care! & no I wasn't in the Royal Box! :-)

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  15. If you have friends you made from your school days, those friends are keepers. I was happy to see the Duchess with her long time close friends, having a girls afternoon out.

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  16. It's great to see Meghan out having fun with her friends.

    R

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  17. Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other GOLD!!!!!

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  18. Hmm its great to see the duchess of sussex and her friends having fun yes if you have a friends in schooldays are treasure hmm i think they god parents are private citzen maybe their close circle of the duchess of sussex and prince harry my sister when my niece and nephew are christening my sister and brother in law choose not from their colleague instead they know for more years school days friends maybe these ladies are sure archie godparents.. i love the casual outfits

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  19. I like that Granny @23:53.

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  20. I think it's plausible that these two friends are attending the christening, but I'm not sure if they would both be godparents. I though Church of England required godparents to be baptized in the christian faith, and I think Lindsay is Jewish. Also, I think at least one if not two godfathers are a requirement for a boy, so godparents are still a guessing game!

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  21. "A" is for America (at least for tonight lol). ;) 🇺🇸

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  22. So great to see the Duchess out having fun and supporting her friend! I’m sure she is ready for some social activity! She looks beautiful as always and I LOVE that blazer. Love how the model styled it with faded jeans...might have to try a similar look myself!

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  23. I have been reading on line where everyone is saying that the two College friends with Meghan at Wimbledon are the godparents to Archie, I would bet any money that they are wrong it is just to obvious and to throw people off Remember everyone thought they knew what name it would be Meghan is smarter than that We will never know.

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  24. Serena Williams was asked in her post game press conference if she was going to be a godparent and if she was going to the christening. She just answered the second question by saying she could not attend because she would be working.

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  25. It was wonderful seeing Duchess Meghan out and about today. She looked so relaxed and had that "Mama Glow". I am also enamored with her panama hat and sunnies. I hope to see more images of her in the coming week.

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  26. Meghan looks so adorable with her gal pals at Wimbleton today wearing her Michael Jackson hat and her A pin for baby Archie Harrison while cheering on friend Serena Williams. What a fun day.

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  27. Thank you for a positive site focusing on my favorite couple. It was great to see the Duchess out and about with her friends. She always look so happy no matter what is going on.

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  28. Happy to see Meghan so happy

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  29. I have nothing against the overall look she was going for here, I just don’t think the individual pieces suit her very well. The blazer looks way too tight on the arms and back, the sunglasses and hat don’t flatter her face in my opinion. And, as mentioned by others above, the jeans don’t work at Wimbledon, no matter the Court.
    That said, she does look happy and healthy and that’s what counts.

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    1. It looked to me as though she wasn't wearing the hat correctly, it was sitting up on her head way too high which I can understand she didn't want to squish down her hair but having it just perched on her head gave it an odd look.

      As to the fit of the blazer, this might have been the first time since giving birth that she was able to fit into it. It can be very exciting to finally be able to fit into a pre-pregnancy item of clothing even if it is a bit snug.

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    2. Lauri5 July 2019 at 14:26...agree with the blazer....she must have been thrilled she was able to get it on

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    3. I agree it's a nice feeling to fit into something post pregnancy, but even in the picture of her wearing the jacket it in Australia, the shoulder does not fit to the edge of the arm and the sleeve pulls. Love the jacket, but don't think it was a great fit for her then.

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    4. Rita in Florida5 July 2019 at 15:59

      Right on Anon 13:03 - jeans don't work at Wimbledon, no matter the Court. I would add especially for a member of the BRF. I personally was disappointed to see it. Come on Meg. (and I adore her)

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    5. Cute look, and I'm a fan. However, I agree that the jeans are a huge noooooo for Wimbledon! Even the ladies she was with wore acceptable attire....and of course the press had another hayday! Hope things go well for the christening.




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    6. I have attended Wimbledon several times & jeans are fine. Lots of smart casual and just casual clothes worn by tennis fans. There is of course the social aspect & those attending hospitality tents so those people wear smarter clothes - it really is 'anything goes' (within reason!)

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    7. I would've expected and not blink an eye at Meghan wearing jeans to the American baseball game. She should've reversed her outfits between the two sporting events, in my opinion.

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    8. Thanks IrishRose for the info. I've just never noticed a royal wearing them. She did look cute and happy,and very comfortable!

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    9. Exactly IrishRose! I have attended several times too, most recently in 2017. There is no ban on wearing jeans. Jeans are perfectly fine as long as they are not ripped/distressed. As always people like to push their preferences on Meghan as though they are facts, then they nitpick.

      Ramona

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    10. That jacket, unfortunately, has never fit her properly. It’s designed for someone with narrower shoulders. I love (and envy!) Meghan’s broad, muscular shoulders, but this particular jacket just doesn’t work on her. It’s a pity, because otherwise I think it’s a great outfit.

      CJ

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  30. I should only ever look so good on my "private engagement, wearing what I want to wear" days!

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  31. It was good to see Meghan out and so happy and looking so good. It really doesn't matter what we may personally think of her hat placement or her jacket, the hat is an old favorite of hers, she can get the jacket on again and she's happy. And honestly, after all the bashing she and Harry get daily in newspapers it's good to see her with old friends and happy. And watching an old friend win her match must have made her even happier.

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  32. I think she looks fine for a casual, off-duty event, though I'm not a jeans with stilettos fan. I give her grace for the pinching and pulling here and there because: Post-Baby.
    That said, Meghan needs help with her clothes. She's quite petite and also interested in the latest fashions, which can drown small-boned women like her. I watched "Suits" as much for the clothes as its grand soap opera plots, and Meghan always looked great in the hands of their stylists. She often looks a bit thrown together and as if she missed a fitting. Kate wears things I really don't like at all, but usually the fit is impeccable. It took her time to get that way, and I hope Meghan will too, in time. Until then, I will adore her for her work ethic, the good things she wants to do, and her sourcing of ethical brands. And for never forgetting her friends, making a wild guess they are my sorority sisters too. Kappa love, ladies!

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  33. I'd bet Serena is one of the godparents of Archie.

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    1. Unfortunately Serana has to work on Saturday won't be able to attend the christening.

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  34. Big fan of the blazer. I have several in different colors. Great seeing the Duchess happy with her friends. Wonderful for her. It is my understanding she is not in the Royal box. Wear your hat, girlfriend. Thank you, Charlotte.

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  35. so nice to see her and he beautiful smile out there. im sad they are not making the christening public but of course respect their right to privacy. this hat seems a tad small on her :)

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    1. I think many have weighed in that none of the royal christenings have been public so they are on par with everyone else

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  36. I noticed that the comments on the baptismal post are locked, so I do hope that it is appropriate to post this here. In regard to the Godparents, I think that what many people are overlooking is that a Christina is a sacramental ceremony welcoming a child into the church. Whilst Meghan and Harry have many wonderful friends who will surely be great friends to their child and mentirs fir him through the his live and make excellent societal “Godparents” to him. For the actual religious sacrament and ceremony the Godparents chosen are to offer spiritual and religious guidance and support within the constructs if the Church, in Archje’s Case, it is the Church if England. It is nit a slight against anyone if expected friends are. It chosen, as this is nit a social honnour, but rather a religious choice. I hope that this message makes sense and does not offend anyone. I just thought that fir those who might not have first hand experiences with Christenings, they might be viewing them as social parties rather than religious ceremonies.

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  37. I don't know why anyone cares who the godparents are. And I've always wondered - when it comes to the Royal Family - why so many of them? In my experience, in my family and pretty much every average person that I know - a baby gets two, usually a married couple.

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  38. Melissa @07:31, none of the Cambridge children had public Christenings. The Christenings were PRIVATE. I guess what people want to see is people walking inside the chapel. Private Christenings are NOT something new to the Royal Family. Oh, the hat looks like it is sitting too high because it is sitting slightly on top of her hair that is tied in the back. Thanks, Charlotte

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  39. I don't love this look, her hair looks very nice though! I wonder why so many seats were vacant around where Meghan and her friends were sitting?

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    1. I believe that’s a members-only enclosure.

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  40. The issue is ,that they turned a non issue into a issue. No one remembers Godparents, who knows Williams? Or Harrys? or Andrews? To be a Godparent is special and religious. So both Harry and Meghan and the Godparents turned this into something that would never have been a big deal...it is insane.

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    1. ali10 July 2019 at 07:29....of course people blame H&M.....why not? it's only an issue if you decide it's an issue. It's amazing how these 2 can't breathe without someone complaining they are taking up too much oxygen.

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