Pat Cash has confessed to flouting royal protocol at Wimbledon — and admitted he kept Princess Diana waiting at the trophy ceremony. The 1987 champion, now 61, climbed through the Centre Court stands to embrace his family after beating Ivan Lendl, a celebration that became legendary and prompted the club to install a gate for easier access. But Cash revealed on BBC’s Wimbledon coverage on Friday that he was reprimanded by the All England Club for delaying the ceremony because the Princess of Wales was watching from the Royal Box. “I got told off because I kept the royals waiting by climbing through the stand, I got a wrist slap from the club,” Cash said. “I promised to never do it again — with my fingers crossed firmly behind my back. But I never got the chance to do it again.”
Decades later, a different Princess of Wales turned up early to watch British hope Arthur Fery play on Court 3 on Thursday morning. Fery, the 23-year-old who became the sole British singles player to reach the third round after beating Otto Virtanen, was stunned. “I didn’t know she was coming,” he said. “I can’t really answer your question. It’s obviously an honour to play in front of her. If I’d known, it would have maybe made me a little tight.” Fery now faces Belgian Zizou Bergs.
“Pat Cash admits he kept Princess Diana waiting by climbing stands at Wimbledon and got a 'wrist slap' from the club.”
The Royal Box has been packed with celebrities this year. On day five — Friday 3 July — eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, actor Joseph Fiennes, comedian Rob Brydon, former prime minister Rishi Sunak on crutches after a skiing injury, and Sebastian Coe were all spotted among the 80 coveted seats. The Princess of Wales was seen in the box on day four sitting next to Andy Murray, and Ellie Goulding, who sang at her wedding, also attended. Cash’s fingers may have been crossed, but his moment of rebellion remains a Wimbledon legend.