Serena Williams failed in her bid to win an eighth Wimbledon title just 10 months after giving birth to her daughter.

The American was the first mother to reach the final since Australian Evonne Goolagong triumphed 38 years ago.

Cheering her on from the Royal Box was her close friend the Duchess of Sussex, who clapped animatedly as her compatriot competed.

Wimbledon 2018 – Day Twelve – The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
The Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Sussex watched from the Royal Box (Nick Bothma/PA)

Meghan, who was sitting between Wimbledon patron the Duchess of Cambridge and Gill Brook, the wife of Wimbledon chairman Philip Brook, turned from time to time to speak to Billie Jean King and her partner Kloss.

Williams has described her friendship with the newlywed as wonderful, and in the past Meghan has attended the championships to cheer the 36-year-old from her player’s box.

This year F1 ace Lewis Hamilton, golfer Tiger Woods and Dame Anna Wintour offered their support from behind her team.

Wimbledon 2018 – Day Twelve – The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Lewis Hamilton and Anna Wintour cheered on Serena Williams from the players’ box at Wimbledon (Nic Bothma/PA)

Hamilton also took to Instagram to post messages of encouragement.

Exactly two months after taking a front-row seat at Meghan’s wedding to the Duke of Sussex in Windsor, Williams took centre stage at Wimbledon.

Meghan, who was at the tournament as Kate’s guest, stood slowly and applauded when Williams lost in straight sets to Germany’s Angelique Kerber.

It was the first official engagement Meghan and Kate had carried out together, without their partners.

Wimbledon 2018 – Day Twelve – The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
Alexis Ohanian, wearing white and a baseball cap, cheered on his wife (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, watched as wife Williams played on Centre Court.

The couple announced the birth of daughter Olympia in September.

Also watching from the Royal Box on Saturday were actresses Emma Watson and Thandie Newton, and actor Sir Mark Rylance.

Her voice breaking after the match, which lasted one hour and five minutes, Williams said: “It’s been an amazing tournament for me, I was really happy to get this far. It’s obviously disappointing but I can’t be disappointed, I have so much to look forward to and I’m literally just getting started.

“To all the mums out there, I was playing for you today and I tried but Angelique played really well. I look forward to continuing to being back out here and doing what I do best.”

Kerber said: “Serena you are a great person and a champion, you are coming back and you are such an inspiration for everybody, for all of us and every person watching.

“I’m sure you will have your next grand slam title.”