Rishi Sunak made a notable entrance at Wimbledon today, using crutches to navigate into the royal box of Centre Court, nearly three months after injuring himself while 'showing off' to his daughters during an Easter ski trip. The former prime minister, 45, was accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty, as he joined a star-studded crowd including Usain Bolt, Seb Coe, Roy Hodgson, Rob Brydon, Dennis Taylor, Ken Doherty, Professor Brian Cox, Joseph Fiennes, and Andrew Marr.
Sunak first revealed his injury on social media in April, posting a photo with crutches and stating he was 'on the mend' but would be unable to walk his dog Nova for some time. He admitted he had 'pushed his luck on the slopes' while trying to impress his daughters, Krishna (15) and Anoushka (13), during a family holiday. The former PM expressed gratitude for well-wishers and said he intended to keep up with meetings and constituency work despite the setback.
Today's appearance marks one of his most high-profile public outings since stepping down as prime minister after the 2024 general election. Sunak, who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2020 to 2022 and then as Prime Minister from 2022 to 2024, has remained active in Parliament as the MP for Richmond & Northallerton in North Yorkshire. His political career began with his election in 2015, and he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the first British Indian to hold the highest office.
The royal box at Wimbledon is a privileged area known for hosting royalty, dignitaries, and celebrities. Sunak's presence there, even on crutches, underscores his continued influence and recognition in British public life. During the tennis action, he was seen smiling and chatting with those around him, including Olympic greats Usain Bolt and Seb Coe, former England football manager Roy Hodgson, and comedian Rob Brydon. Snooker legends Dennis Taylor and Ken Doherty were also present, alongside physicist Brian Cox, actor Joseph Fiennes, and journalist Andrew Marr.
Other notable figures spotted around the grounds included Olympic gold medalist Dame Denise Lewis, former sprinter turned broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye, and England Lioness Beth Mead. The array of sports and entertainment personalities highlighted Wimbledon's unique ability to draw a diverse crowd of elites.
Sunak's use of crutches has not been without precedent. Earlier in May, he was photographed using the walking aids while giving a commencement address at Claremont McKenna College in California alongside his wife, who graduated from the college in 2002 with a BA in Economics and French. The couple delivered a joint speech to graduates, with Sunak appearing somewhat unsteady but managing the occasion.
His recovery has been slower than initially expected, as he indicated in his April social media post that he hoped to be back to full fitness soon. However, nearly three months later, he still requires crutches for mobility. Sports medicine experts typically note that severe ski injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can require months of rehabilitation, especially for middle-aged individuals. The injury has not prevented him from performing his parliamentary duties; he has been seen attending debates and meetings in the Commons and his constituency.
Sunak's history of public clumsiness extends beyond this incident. In January 2022, while serving as Chancellor, he was photographed falling while ice skating at the Natural History Museum in London, taking his daughter down with him. An onlooker reported that he had been skating for about ten minutes before he lost his balance and dragged her down. The incident went viral on social media, with many commenting on his lack of grace.
Despite these physical mishaps, Sunak has maintained a busy schedule. He continues to be an active voice in Conservative Party politics, often speaking on economic issues, his key policy focus during his time in government. As Chancellor, he introduced the furlough scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was widely praised but also led to significant national debt. His tenure as Prime Minister was marked by stability after the turmoil of the Truss administration, but he faced challenges including high inflation, NHS waiting lists, and party infighting.
The former PM's background is notable: born in Southampton to parents of Indian origin who emigrated from East Africa, he was educated at Winchester College and then Oxford University, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. He later earned an MBA from Stanford University, where he met his wife. Before entering politics, he worked as an analyst at Goldman Sachs and later at hedge fund firms. His wealth, largely from his wife's family business Infosys, has been a subject of media scrutiny.
At Wimbledon, Sunak's choice of attire was casual but classic: a navy blazer, light trousers, and a tie, appropriate for the royal box dress code. Despite the crutches, he appeared composed and engaged with the tennis, often applauding points. The injury did not seem to dampen his enjoyment of the event, and he stayed for several hours.
The presence of so many prominent figures in the royal box reflects the cultural significance of Wimbledon, which is considered one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments globally. It also serves as a networking opportunity for politicians, celebrities, and athletes. Sunak's attendance reinforces his status as a public figure, even after leaving office.
In addition to the royal box lineup, other former political leaders were also seen around the All England Club grounds. The day's matches included top seeds and wildcards, providing plenty of drama for the audience. Sunak's recovery journey continues to be followed by the media, with updates on his mobility and public appearances likely to be tracked until he is fully healed.
His ski accident has drawn comparisons to other politicians who have suffered injuries while engaging in sports, such as former US President George W. Bush, who injured himself biking, or former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was known for his love of football. Sunak's mishap, however, particularly resonated because of his admission that it happened while trying to impress his children, a relatable moment that humanized him.
Looking ahead, Sunak is expected to continue his parliamentary work and may increase his public speaking engagements. There is speculation about his future role within the Conservative Party, possibly as a elder statesman or challenger for future party leadership. For now, he remains a significant figure in British politics, albeit one who requires crutches to attend Wimbledon.
The article originally appeared in the Daily Mirror, but Sunak's appearance at Wimbledon with crutches has been covered by multiple outlets. It serves as a reminder of his ongoing recovery and his determination to maintain a public presence despite physical limitations.
Source: Daily Mirror News