The 2024 Wimbledon Championships witnessed a captivating women’s singles final between Elena Rybakina and Ons Jabeur on July 9th. While the on-court action was thrilling, it was the presence of Hollywood royalty in the Royal Box that stole the spotlight and sparked a wave of royal intrigue.
Sitting alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, was none other than Julia Roberts. The 54-year-old actress, known for iconic roles in films like “Pretty Woman,” “Notting Hill,” and “Erin Brockovich,” was a guest of the royal couple. Her presence, however, quickly became the talk of the tennis world and beyond, as her interactions with the Duchess of Cambridge were dissected frame by frame.
As the match unfolded, cameras captured Roberts leaning in close to Middleton, her arm seemingly wrapped around the Duchess in a gesture that appeared protective, even possessive. This subtle movement didn’t go unnoticed by royal watchers, who were quick to analyze its potential meaning.
Some interpreted Roberts’ actions as an attempt to shield Middleton from the prying eyes of the press photographers surrounding them in the Royal Box. After all, the Duchess is no stranger to the media spotlight, with her every move scrutinized by the tabloid press. Perhaps Roberts, an experienced Hollywood veteran, was offering her some reprieve from the constant glare.
Others, however, saw a more ominous undertone to Roberts’ body language, noting the actress’s unusually focused attention on Middleton. Some speculated that this was a deliberate warning shot, a clear signal of support and defense for the Duchess and, by extension, a rebuke of her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle.
It’s no secret that the relationship between the Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex has been strained in recent years. Markle’s bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which she leveled accusations of racism and lack of support against the royal family, has only served to deepen the rift. While Middleton has largely remained dignified and reserved in the face of Markle’s criticisms, Roberts’ actions at Wimbledon suggest that some high-profile figures in the UK may be growing weary of the ongoing drama.
By seemingly shielding Middleton from the cameras, Roberts may have been sending a clear message: “Leave Kate alone.”
Roberts’ presence at Wimbledon and her apparent protectiveness towards Middleton also raise questions about the depth of the actress’s relationships within the royal circle. As a guest of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Roberts’ attendance suggests a level of familiarity and trust that goes beyond a typical celebrity-royal interaction. This, in turn, has led to speculation that Roberts may have been there not just as a casual spectator but as a deliberate show of support for the future Queen Consort.
In a way, Roberts’ star power and influence in Hollywood could be seen as a kind of A-list backup for Middleton should the Duchess ever need it. It’s a fascinating dynamic, with Roberts potentially wielding her celebrity to defend a member of the royal family. After all, the actress is revered around the world, with a fanbase that spans generations. If she were to throw her weight behind Middleton in any public feud, it could provide a powerful counterpoint to the criticisms leveled by Markle and her supporters.
Of course, this is all speculation, and Roberts’ true intentions remain shrouded in mystery. But the mere fact that her actions at Wimbledon have sparked such intense scrutiny and analysis speaks to the high-stakes drama that continues to unfold within the royal family.