This year’s Wimbledon finals featured not just thrilling tennis but also a subtle royal protocol discussion. Kate Middleton, attending with Prince William and their children, chose to wear a sun hat despite tournament rules discouraging headwear that might obstruct others’ views. The decision stood out particularly because Meghan Markle had reportedly been prevented from doing the same during her 2018 appearance.
The Princess of Wales’s practical choice for sun protection came during record-breaking temperatures in London, making her hat understandable from a health perspective. However, the visible difference in how the two royal women were treated regarding the same rule prompted social media commentary about fairness and consistency within the royal family’s public engagements.
While Wimbledon’s guidelines about hats are meant to ensure all spectators can enjoy the matches, the incident showed how royal appearances often exist in a gray area between following rules and making reasonable exceptions. The discussion surrounding Kate’s hat revealed ongoing public interest in how protocol is interpreted for different members of the monarchy.
