Duchess Kate Serves an Ace with a Tennis-Inspired Dress

From Harper's BAZAAR

• The Duchess of Cambridge chatted with students at the Bond Primary School via video conference call.

• Kate wore a green dress by HVN, which features a print of tiny tennis players.

Tennis, anyone? That’s essentially what Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, asked a group of students and staff from the Bond Primary School in Mitcham, England, last week.

Through a video call, Kate, who is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), checked in on the organization’s Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative. Since 2001, the AELTC coaching teams have visited around 65 state primary schools in Merton and Wandsworth every year, giving free tennis lessons that promote physical activity. The program also instructs teachers on how to deliver productive sport lessons that will equip students with valuable life skills.

Kate’s recent chat wasn’t her first Bond Primary School appearance. The duchess previously visited in 2018, when she joined the students in a lesson, wearing a sleek track suit for the occasion. But with safety measures in effect due to the coronavirus pandemic, Kate instead spoke to the students virtually this go-round, discussing the importance of staying active and asking them about their experiences in lockdown.

Still, she made sure that the vibe was lively and celebratory of one of England’s national pastimes, which was especially reflected in the outfit she wore for the Zoom chat. The green silk crepe de chine belted dress by HVN features a print of tiny tennis players. And to highlight the sport even further, she invited a special guest to join her.

“He plays tennis for Great Britain,” Kate said to the kids and staff. “He’s a two-time Olympic champion. He’s a former world number one. Can you possibly guess who this might be, our special guest today?”

Tennis star Andy Murray then appeared on the screen, inciting a wave of enthusiasm from the audience. On what would have been the final weekend of Wimbledon, a.k.a. The Championships, the tennis pro instead took the time to offer the students some sound advice. “The most important thing is to have fun,” he said, per Hello. “If you’re enjoying it, you get more out of your lessons and your practicing. Listen to your coach, that’s very important. That’s the two most important things at your age.”

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