However, in recent years, Wimbledon has also become a stage for another type of drama: the controversy surrounding the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, and her alleged breach of protocol.
The background: Meghan Markle's first appearance at Wimbledon
In July 2018, Meghan Markle, then newlywed to Prince Harry, made her debut appearance at Wimbledon as a member of the royal family. She watched her close friend Serena Williams play in the women's final, wearing a stylish blue and white striped shirt, white wide-leg trousers, and a Panama hat. While many fans and fashion observers praised her outfit, others criticized her for allegedly breaking the dress code, which requires all spectators to dress smartly and avoid hats that obstruct views. Some also accused her of being attention-seeking and disrespectful to other spectators and security staff by asking for photographs and causing delays. However, most of these criticisms were based on hearsay or speculation and not confirmed by any official source.
The controversy: Meghan Markle's second appearance at Wimbledon
In July 2019, Meghan Markle returned to Wimbledon for a second time, this time without Prince Harry and baby Archie. She watched Williams play again, wearing a white shirt, black pants, and a pair of dark sunglasses. However, her presence caused much more controversy than before. According to some reports, she arrived unannounced and requested to sit in the royal box, which is reserved for members of the royal family, high-ranking officials, and invited guests. When told that the box was already full, she allegedly expressed her disappointment and asked to be allowed to sit elsewhere, causing a stir among the other spectators and security staff. Moreover, she was accused of being rude and dismissive to her bodyguards, who allegedly told other fans not to take photos of her because she was there in a private capacity, not as a royal representative. Some also criticized her for allegedly wearing jeans, which are not considered appropriate attire for Wimbledon.
The aftermath: The reaction to Meghan Markle's behavior
Meghan Markle's behavior at Wimbledon in 2019 was met with mixed reactions from the public and the media. Some defended her and argued that she was entitled to attend a tennis match as a private citizen and enjoy the same freedoms and rights as any other spectator. They also pointed out that the royal box had been empty for most of the day and that there was no harm in allowing her to sit there if there were seats available. They also criticized the media for exaggerating and sensationalizing her actions and ignoring the positive contributions she had made to society and charity.
However, others were less forgiving and accused Meghan Markle of disrespecting the traditions and protocols of Wimbledon and the royal family. They argued that she should have known better than to arrive unannounced and make demands, especially after her previous controversy at the tournament. They also questioned her motives for attending and suggested that she was using the event as a platform to promote herself and her image, rather than to support her friend or enjoy the sport. Some also speculated that her behavior was a sign of her dissatisfaction with her role as a royal and her strained relationship with the British media.
Our take on the controversy
In our opinion, the controversy surrounding Meghan Markle's appearance at Wimbledon is a classic case of a tempest in a teapot. While it is understandable that some fans and officials may have been surprised or annoyed by her actions, we do not believe that she did anything wrong or inappropriate. As a private citizen, she is free to attend public events and express herself in any lawful and respectful way she chooses. As a public figure and a role model, she is also entitled to use her platform to advocate for causes she cares about and raise awareness of issues that affect her and others.
Moreover, we think that the negative coverage and criticism of Meghan Markle's behavior at Wimbledon reflect a deeper problem in the way the media and the public perceive and treat her. Ever since she joined the royal family, she has been subjected to an unprecedented level of scrutiny, criticism, and harassment, often fueled by racism, sexism, and classism. While some of her actions may have been misinterpreted or misunderstood, we believe that she deserves the benefit of the doubt and the respect and dignity that any human being deserves. We hope that in the future, she will be able to attend Wimbledon or any other event without fear of judgment or prejudice, and that she will continue to use her voice and influence for good.
