Meghan Markle’s ‘nightmare’ appearance at Wimbledon – ‘Childish’ behaviour to photo ‘ban’

The duchess went to watch her friend Serena Williams play in 2019

Meghan Markle once caused a stir with her appearance at Wimbledon back in 2019.

Wimbledon begins today (June 30) and will run until July 13. Lots of tennis fans will be set to travel down to London for the championships over the next fortnight.

Among them will be many people in the public eye – members of the royal family included. Back in 2019, Meghan attended Wimbledon to watch tennis legend Serena Williams, a friend of hers, in a “private capacity”.

However, the duchess’ time at Wimbledon proved controversial, with one official allegedly labelling her a “nightmare”.
Meghan watched Serena Williams at Wimbledon in 2019 (Credit: Photo by Javier Garcia/BPI/Shutterstock)

Meghan Markle’s ‘nightmare’ appearance at Wimbledon

Reports at the time claimed that Meghan’s bodyguards asked people not to take photos of her, so she could “engage with people rather than camera phones”.

Harry and Meghan see themselves more as A-list celebrities.

Sally Jones, journalist and former tennis champion, was one attendee who was allegedly warned about taking photos. She then told Meghan’s bodyguard that she was trying to get a photo of Serena. She didn’t actually realise that the duchess was present.

In 2019, Sally told MailOnline that Meghan was “clearly looking around, looking to see who was looking at her”. She added: “Harry and Meghan see themselves more as A-list celebrities than royals carrying out their duties. It’s control-freakery.”

Sally added: “There were around 200 photographers snapping away at her but security were sent to warn an old biddy like me. It makes them look silly. It’s childish and takes us for fools.”
Meghan’s security reportedly stepped in over photos being taken (Credit: Photo by Javier Garcia/BPI/Shutterstock)

Meghan Markle criticised by fellow famous people following Wimbledon

Piers Morgan waded into the controversy, calling the situation “ridiculous” on Good Morning Britain.

“It’s frankly hypocritical, they’re not private people, they’re the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” he said. “Honestly, it’s a complete joke. You’ve got to work out what you want to be Meghan and Harry – do you want to be public or private? If you want to be private, go back to America and live privately.”

British TV star Kirstie Allsopp was another to voice her opinion. She wrote on X (Twitter): “If you earn money by entertaining, in sport or media, or by being a member of the royal family, photos are part of the deal – because you’re [bleep] lucky to have the privileges that come with the jobs and the wages.”

Actress Tatum O’Neal, the ex-wife of tennis star John McEnroe, branded it “tacky” on Good Morning Britain.

She said: “I just think it is so upsetting to me because if you think of Princess Diana and you think of how absolutely inclusive she was, and she would never turn anyone away.”

An official who organised Meghan’s visit allegedly told The Times that it – and the duchess – were a “nightmare”. Meanwhile, an All England Club insider said that she wasn’t supposed to be wearing jeans in the Wimbledon members’ area.

Another source reportedly claimed that it was lucky Andy Murray was playing on the same court after Serena, because she wouldn’t have been allowed in the Royal Box on Centre Court with jeans on, even though she was a member of the royal family.

A Wimbledon spokesperson defended Meghan

However, a Wimbledon spokesperson told Fabulous Digital: “The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) was delighted to welcome HRH The Duchess of Sussex in a private capacity to The Championships to watch her friend Serena Williams compete on No.1 Court.

“The duchess was greeted by AELTC Chairman Philip Brook at the Players’ Reception on arrival before making her way to No.1 Court, and it was always the intention that the visit would be only for the one match.

“Any suggestion that the duchess’ visit was anything other than a privilege is categorically not the view of the AELTC and she is always welcome to attend The Championships.”
Kate and Meghan Markle at Wimbledon in 2019 (Credit: Cover Images)

Meghan’s appearance at Wimbledon with Kate

A week after, Meghan returned to Wimbledon with her sister-in-law Kate Middleton and her sister, Pippa.

While it helped stem rumours of a feud, some commentators thought differently.

At the time, royal commentator Daniela Esler said that the show of unity seemingly hinted at a “seriously fractured” relationship.

She wrote for the New Zealand Herald: “With the eyes of centre court, the UK press and live TV cameras on them, both women smiled and chatted like jolly good chums. The difference between their off and on-duty demeanour could not have been more marked.

“Kate and Meghan would have known there would be cameras there, and the lenses would be trained on them. The fact they did not seem to feel the need to put on a cheery, chummy spectacle of sorts would suggest things had already fractured seriously behind the scenes.”