During the men’s singles final at Wimbledon, Lord Frederick Windsor was seen dozing off in the prestigious Royal Box, where he attended alongside his wife, actress Sophie Winkleman. The match, held between rising star Jannik Sinner and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, took place in London and captivated much of the audience, though not everyone remained fully awake.
Lord Frederick Windsor’s Presence and Reaction at the Match
Lord Frederick, aged 46, attended the highly anticipated final wearing a navy suit, while Sophie Winkleman wore a white floral dress with pearls and styled her hair in an elegant updo. The couple was initially engaged with the match and cheered along with other spectators before Lord Frederick eventually succumbed to the relaxing rhythm of the game. He was photographed resting behind his sunglasses with his hand supporting his cheek. Meanwhile, Lady Frederick Windsor focused intently on the match as it progressed.
Family Connections and Previous Appearances at Wimbledon
Lord Frederick Windsor is the son of Prince Michael of Kent, making him a second cousin to King Charles III and placing him 54th in line to the British throne. His daughters, Maud Elizabeth Daphne Marina and Isabella Alexandra May, follow him in the line of succession. Alongside the current final, Lord Frederick and his wife had also been spotted attending earlier days of the tournament, including days two, nine, and twelve, underscoring their keen interest in the event.
Hugh Grant Also Seen Dozing in the Royal Box Days Earlier
Lord Frederick was not the only notable figure caught napping at Wimbledon’s Royal Box. Actor Hugh Grant, known for his role in Notting Hill, appeared similarly tired several days prior during the match between Flavio Cobolli of Italy and Novak Djokovic of Serbia. Despite the high stakes of the game and the nearby presence of Queen Camilla and her sister Annabel Elliot, Grant struggled to stay awake throughout the prolonged match.
Public Reaction to Celebrities Nodding Off at the Tournament
Initially lively and engaged, Hugh Grant shared laughs with his wife, Anna Elisabet Eberstein, before gradually succumbing to sleep, even attempting to conceal it with dark sunglasses. His drowsiness was quickly noticed by attentive fans, one of whom reacted on social media, asking,
“Did Hugh Grant just fall asleep in the Royal Box?”
accompanied by a laughing emoji. The incident added a touch of humor to the otherwise formal atmosphere of the event.
The Significance of the Royal Box at Wimbledon
The Royal Box, established in 1922, remains an exclusive area reserved for invited guests and members of the British royal family, officials, and distinguished persons. It accommodates 74 people and is located adjacent to Centre Court, the main stadium of the tournament. Tickets to the Royal Box are not available to the public, emphasizing its status as one of the most privileged viewing spots in tennis.
Implications of the Incidents and What to Expect Next
The scenes of Lord Frederick Windsor and Hugh Grant dozing off highlight the challenge of maintaining focus during lengthy sporting events, even in prestigious settings. While these moments provide a lighter side to the tournament, they also humanize the elite guests who attend such high-profile occasions. As Wimbledon continues to draw significant royal and celebrity attention, future tournaments may see heightened efforts to engage these distinguished spectators throughout extended matches.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Hugh Grant turn down Harry Potter?
A. Karin Smith, the agent, explained to Teletext that Hugh couldn’t accept the role because he’s set to film with Sandra Bullock next February. The film, supported by Castle Rock, will feature Bullock as a scatterbrained lawyer and Grant as her very rich and charming boss.
Q. Does Hugh Grant have a PhD?
A. Hugh was a young man from a decent family who studied English Literature at Oxford. He then began working toward a Ph.D. in Art History at The Courtauld.
Without financial support for his Ph.D., he turned to acting, a path he found after enjoying his time in Oxford’s drama club as a hobby.
