A Mitcham primary school has welcomed the future Queen to celebrate a Merton and Wandsworth table tennis initiative.

The Duchess of Cambridge visited Bond Primary School in Mitcham to see the work of the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative (WJTI) earlier today.

Supported by the Wimbledon Foundation, the charity of The All England and The Championships, the WJTI has introduced over 195,000 children in Merton and Wandsworth to their first hit of a tennis ball and visits 65 primary schools per year.

During her visit, The Duchess of Cambridge had the opportunity to participate in some of the WJT’s regular drills, which aim to introduce young people to tennis, while also encouraging them to learn how participation in sport can help develop important life skills and values.

Addressing the school children, The Duchess of Cambridge said: “A big thank you, I have loved playing with you all this afternoon. I love tennis, I think it’s a great sport, so keep it up and its been a real pleasure to meet all of you.”

Bond Primary School headteacher Despo Stevens said: “It was a huge pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to our school.

“We so enjoy having the visits from the WJTI and being active and fit is a very important message for our children."

Philip Brook, Chairman of the All England Club said: “We are extremely proud of the role that the WJTI plays in the local community and would like to thank Mrs Stevens, the teachers and the children for allowing us to invade your lessons today.

“We are honoured by the support HRH The Duchess of Cambridge continues to show for Wimbledon and we are glad to be able to share with her some of the work we do outside of The Championships.”

The Wimbledon Foundation has donated over £1 million to over 100 local charities and organisations since it was established in 2013.