Tennis fan Kate seeks advice on how to teach game to George
The tennis-loving Duchess of Cambridge has told a coach she is trying to teach Prince George the game but he "only wants to whack the ball".
She was speaking to Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) coach Sam Richardson during a visit to the headquarters of British tennis at the national tennis centre in London.
Mr Richardson said: "She asked what kind of stuff George should be doing. He is interested in tennis but being four, he just wants to whack the ball."
The Duchess of Cambridge, Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Patron, has arrived at the National Tennis Centre to learn more about their work. pic.twitter.com/O4oMOCJnNp
-- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2017
He said: "You have to wait for them to show interest."
Mr Richardson, who heads up the LTA's Tennis for Kids grassroots programme which teaches the game to youngsters, said: "She said she had also spoken to Judy Murray, who advised her to take the racket away and just focus on skills."
The Duchess joins in with a coaching session with Tennis for Kids Ambassador @JoKonta91. ???? pic.twitter.com/bl4n10OtxQ
-- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2017
Kate, who is the LTA patron, proved to be a smash hit with tennis stars past, present and future during the visit.
Kate, who is pregnant with her third child, came dressed for action and sporting a big smile.
Throughout 2017, Tennis for Kids will give 22,500 children the chance to play & enjoy tennis through free quality coaching & a free racket. pic.twitter.com/bReQTAxGHU
-- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2017
She sported black tracksuit bottoms with a wide white side panel, a black jersey and white trainers and took part in a gentle children's training session.
It included an easy knockabout with some infants who were "very excited to meet a princess", according to British number one Johanna Konta who attended as an ambassador for the Tennis for Kids grassroots scheme for five to eight-year-olds.
On Court 4 The Duchess gets involved in a @wearecoachcore training session, which is being delivered by Coach Core apprentices. pic.twitter.com/98s9mdwUgp
-- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2017
Kate, who is now in her second trimester, has been stepping back into the limelight after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - a severe form of morning sickness.
The royal baby is due in April.
The apprenticeship takes young people aged 16-24 & trains them to be sports coaches & positive role models & mentors in their communities. pic.twitter.com/t0TFXe8LbR
-- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2017
Kate joined in exercises with youngsters including Joe Edwards, eight, from East Sheen Primary School, and said: "I used to play a lot of tennis but I'm a bit unfit now."
She seemed in good spirits as she chatted with Konta and watched some on-court sessions.
The LTA's mission is to get more people playing tennis & on Court 1 HRH joins children who are benefiting from the Tennis for Kids campaign. pic.twitter.com/bCpCdFqOrG
-- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2017
She helped test the delighted youngsters' agility and reaction in a hand-tagging exercise which looked like they were giving each other high-fives from different directions.
The Duchess meets x2 Paralympic medallist & @Wimbledon & @usopen Wheelchair Doubles Champion Alfie Hewett. pic.twitter.com/elCsW7s6Pp
-- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2017
She also retrieved low balls from the ground with her racket before hitting a button which served balls to wheelchair tennis player Alfie Hewett at 87mph.
Thank you @BritishTennis for an inspiring morning and good luck to everyone in their future tennis careers!???????? pic.twitter.com/sRXScCcC3C
-- Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 31, 2017