The Duchess of Cornwall revealed she is a big fan of Rafael Nadal today as she was introduced to the tennis superstar at Wimbledon.

Camilla met the 14-time grand slam champion at the All England Club in south west London, where she will watch the action on Centre Court from the royal box.

As she was introduced to the Spaniard, the Duchess said: "Rafa, how lovely to meet you. Are you playing today?"

After Nadal, 29, confirmed he was playing on Centre Court later, the Duchess said: "I hope you win."

Camilla, wearing a pale pink chiffon Anna Valentine dress, also met former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych, British women's number two Johanna Konta and Slovakian player Daniela Hantuchova.

She was then introduced to Rufus the hawk, who is tasked with keeping pesky pigeons away from Centre Court. Camilla was joined by her sister Annabel Elliot, the interior designer.

Glasgow Times:

 

After youthful-looking Hantuchova, 32, told the Duchess she was playing in her 15th Wimbledon tournament, Camilla replied: "God, you must have come in your push chair!"

As she was introduced to Rufus the hawk and his owner Imogen Davis, Camilla said: "Hello, good morning Rufus," before asking Miss Davis: "How many pigeons does he catch?"

Afterwards, Imogen's mother Donna Davis said the Duchess seemed a "little bit unsure" about meeting the harris hawk. "She thought it was hilarious that he had a hat with Wimbledon's colours on," Ms Davis said.

Australian-born Konta, who crashed out in the first round of the tournament this year, admitted she was nervous about meeting the Duchess. "I just about remembered to curtsey and say 'Your Highness'," she said.

Glasgow Times:

Camilla arrived at Wimbledon shortly after the first spots of rain fell at this year's championships.

The tournament recorded its hottest ever day yesterday when the mercury hit 35.7C - beating the previous record of 34.6C in the scorching summer of 1976.

MeteoGroup said sunny spells and showers were forecast, with a risk of thunderstorms and temperatures reaching around 25C.

The Duchess of Cambridge's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, are listed as guests in the royal box on Centre Court, where former Wimbledon champions Nadal and Roger Federer are playing their second round matches.

Meanwhile, Britain's top tennis star Andy Murray is playing his second round clash on Number One court.

Last year Camilla abandoned the royal box to watch the 2013 Wimbledon champion play on the other show court.