Royal honour is ‘once in a lifetime’ moment for boss of Wimbledon
HE HAD played host to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in the Royal box at Wimbledon more than once, so the return service as Philip Brook called game, set and match on his career there, seemed only fitting.
Mr Brook, a grammar school boy from Wakefield who in the 1970s was the Yorkshire men’s singles champion, will shortly bring down the curtain on his nine-year stint as chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. But first he had a date at Buckingham Palace, where Prince William was on hand to present him with a CBE. The citation, whose language did not recognise the irony, said it was for his services to the sport.
It was, said Mr Brook, after the ceremony, a “once in a lifetime” moment.
He had begun his career at Wimbledon helping to operate the scoreboards during his summer holidays, and is expected to remain an ambassador for the tournament.
“It’s a very special day, as you can imagine,” he said. “I’m proud to receive the award not just for me but for Wimbledon as well.”
Others to receive honours yesterday included the snooker commentator Clive Everton, the Wales international rugby union player Nigel Walker and the jazz singer, Jacqui Dankworth, who was recognised for her services to music.
She had last been at the
Palace with her late father, the composer John Dankworth, when he received his knighthood, she recalled.
Her mother, the singer Cleo Laine, had also been recognised by the Queen.
Asked if honours system ran through the family, Dr Dankworth, who received an MBE, said: “It must.”
She singled out the string orchestra which played during the ceremony, describing it as “lovely music”.
“I told the Duke I really love this music and he said he’s been trying to get them to play pop music,” she said.
I’m proud to receive the award not just for me but for Wimbledon. Philip Brook, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.