SPORTING LEGENDS HOLD COURT AT SW19

British heroes gather to enjoy top-class tennis at Wimbledon, as Sir Ben Ainslie praises the Princess of Wales's sailing skills

- FRANCESCA SHILLCOCK

Sailing champion Sir Ben Ainslie, former Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave were among the sporting heroes who joined HELLO! at the exclusive Emirates Best of British Sport luncheon at Wimbledon last week.

The most successful sailor in British and Olympic history, Ben has won fans including the Princess of Wales, who is a keen sailor and patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

“She's very passionate and we keep up to date on what's going on with the sailing teams,” he told us, describing Kate as “an incredible sailor in her own right”.

He added: “She’s busy, but she keeps in touch as much as she can, which is great, and we're grateful for her support.”

ROYAL TALENT

In 2022, the Princess joined Ben on board Great Britain SailGP’s F50 catamaran for a friendly race at the Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth. And Kate, who is the royal patron of Ben’s charity, the 1851 Trust, which helps inspire young people through sport, impressed him with her skills.

“Kate was steering and she was very, very good,” he said. “This wasn’t just any old boat – this was a catamaran that goes up to 100km per hour – and we won, so she clearly knows what she's doing. I didn't need to give her any tips. She had a great feel for the boat and was fearless, from what I could tell."

Ben, who lives close to SW19, has enjoyed several days out in Wimbledon's Royal Box, which he described as "one of the most exclusive opportunities in sport".