Queen back at Wimbledon for first time in 33 years

Queen Elizabeth returned to Wimbledon on Thursday for the first time in 33 years to enjoy Britain's Andy Murray win his Centre Court match with regal ease.

The monarch certainly brings good luck to British players. The last time she visited the tournament in her 1977 Silver Jubilee year, Virginia Wade won the women's title for Britain.

The crowd on the world's most famous tennis court rose to give the Queen a standing ovation when she took her seat in the Royal Box dressed in a turquoise outfit and matching hat.

To loud cheers, Murray and his Finnish opponent Jarkko Nieminen bowed to the Queen in perfect harmony.

They bowed again after Murray's bloodless victory and were presented to the monarch when they came off court.

Murray swept to an easy 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory on the sun-baked court and home fans never had a moment's worry as he served superbly to dominate throughout.

Fifteen security staff ringed the court in case a streaker might be tempted to disrupt the match. None materialised.

Both players performed immaculately. There were no storms of bad language in the heat of play.

The Queen, cheered by crowds lining the courts five deep, met a string of tennis champions past and present before lunching at the All England Club.

Venus Williams chose to bow while her sister Serena opted for a understated curtsy that she had been rehearsing all week.

British teenage hopeful Laura Robson Tweeted about her nerves: "What an honour. I thought I would shank my curtsy."

Among those attending lunch -- which inevitably included Wimbledon's trademark strawberries and cream -- was six times champion Roger Federer.

"After 33 years there is huge happiness that she should visit this year for the fans. I'm just so glad I got a chance to meet her," he said.

Nine times champion Martina Navratilova said simply: "The Queen was lovely."

Queen Elizabeth's greatest sporting passion has always been horse racing. She never misses a day at Royal Ascot, parading down the course in an open landau every year.

But her father was a keen tennis player. Before his accession, King George VI competed in the men's doubles at the 1926 championships.

He and Commander Greig were easily defeated in the first round. Their opponents were spared imprisonment in the Tower of London afterwards.

Image: Queen Elizabeth speaks to Roger Federer as Serena Williams looks on.

Photograph: Reuters