On July 9th, at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, Elena Rybakina and Ons Jabeur competed in a thrilling women’s singles final. While the on-court action was exciting, the appearance of Hollywood royalty in the Royal Box stole the show and prompted a flurry of royal intrigue.
Julia Roberts sat with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton. The 54-year-old actress, best known for her roles in films such as “Pretty Woman,” “Notting Hill,” and “Erin Brockovich,” was a guest of the royal couple. Her appearance, however, swiftly became the buzz of the tennis world and beyond, with frame-by-frame analysis of her interactions with the Duchess of Cambridge.
As the match progressed, cameras caught Roberts leaning in close to Middleton, her arm clearly wrapped around the Duchess in a protective, almost possessive move. This slight shift was detected by royal observers, who quickly analysed its potential significance.
Some saw Roberts’ moves as an attempt to shelter Middleton from the prying eyes of the press photographers gathered around them in the Royal Box. After all, the Duchess is no stranger to the public limelight, as the tabloid press scrutinises her every move. Perhaps Roberts, an experienced Hollywood veteran, was affording her a break from the continuous limelight.
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.