The Princess of Wales shared a joke with one of Wimbledon’s most famous stars as Centre Court rose to pay tribute to Roger Federer.

The special moment, which included a lengthy standing ovation for the tennis player, came as the Princess made her first visit to the club the famous Championships get under way in London.

Catherine, who is Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, arrived on day two of the competition and headed straight for the outside courts.

The Princess, wearing a mint green blazer and white pleated skirt, took her seat in the stands on Court 18 to see Britain’s top female player, Katie Boulter, begin her campaign against Australia, Daria Saville.

Embed from Getty Images

However, the first round match was quickly interrupted by rain with the covers coming over as the weather worsened.

Later, the Princess of Wales headed to the Royal Box on Centre Court where she led a tribute to Roger Federer, the eight times Men’s Singles Champion who retired last year.

The Swiss star seemed overcome as he joined the Royal Box, with the cheering going on for several minutes as he acknowledged the crowds.

Embed from Getty Images

The Princess, who last month joined Roger Federer for a training session at Wimbledon for ball boys and ball girls, was also joined in the Royal Box by Prince Michael of Kent as well as his daughter, Lady Gabriella Kingston, and her husband, Tom. The younger son of the Duke of Kent, Lord Nicholas Windsor, was also present.

The Princess of Wales, as patron of the Club, is expected to attend Wimbledon several times during the Championship fortnight and will present the trophies at the end of the competition.