Queen Elizabeth to attend Wimbledon

May 19, 2010, 12:02 GMT

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will attend Wimbledon next month.

The monarch - who last made a trip to watch the prestigious tennis tournament in 1977 when Virginia Wade won the women's singles title - is expected to return to Centre Court on June 24, three days after the grand slam tournament gets under way.

Tim Phillips, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club told the Daily Mail newspaper that Wimbledon had "changed considerably" since the 84-year-old monarch's last visit, but he was looking forward to welcoming her back.

He said: "Wimbledon has changed considerably since the queen's previous visit in 1977, most notably with a transformation of the infrastructure bringing new and much improved facilities, including the Centre Court roof which was unveiled last year.

"What has not changed, though, is the essential character of Wimbledon, created by the passion of players and spectators alike who want to be part of one the world's most exhilarating sporting events. It will certainly be an exciting occasion for everyone here."

It is thought the queen will be hoping to watch Andy Murray, who is under pressure to become the first British men's Wimbledon champion since Fred Perry in 1936.