Rishi Sunak used crutches to hobble into the royal box at Wimbledon today, nearly three months after injuring himself while 'showing off' to his daughters during an Easter ski holiday. The former prime minister, 45, was seen making his way to his seat inside Centre Court, leaning heavily on his walking aids as his wife Akshata Murty walked alongside him. The couple were joined by a host of famous faces including Olympic legends Usain Bolt and Seb Coe, former England manager Roy Hodgson, comedian Rob Brydon, snooker players Dennis Taylor and Ken Doherty, physicist Brian Cox, actor Joseph Fiennes, and journalist Andrew Marr.
Mr Sunak first posted a photo of himself using crutches on social media in April, explaining that he had 'pushed his luck on the slopes' while trying to impress his daughters, Krishna, 15, and Anoushka, 13, during a family holiday. At the time, he wrote: 'I'm already on the mend and determined to keep up with my meetings and constituency work (although sadly no walks with Nova for a while). Thanks to everyone who's been in touch. Looking forward to getting back to full fitness soon and seeing many of you in the coming weeks.' He also joked that he would make the most of his recovery by watching sport on television.
Today's appearance at Wimbledon suggests that the former MP for Richmond & Northallerton in North Yorkshire is still recovering from the accident, which occurred at an undisclosed ski resort. The sight of Mr Sunak on crutches is not entirely new; he was also pictured using them at the start of May while attending a graduation ceremony at Claremont McKenna College in California, where his wife graduated in 2002 with a BA in Economics and French. The couple delivered the commencement address together, with Mr Sunak managing to navigate the stage despite his injury.
The former prime minister has a well-documented history of unlucky mishaps. In January 2022, while still Chancellor of the Exchequer, he was photographed falling while ice skating at the Natural History Museum in London, taking his daughter down with him. An onlooker at the time said: 'He was skating for ten minutes before he staggered and dragged her down. People were all looking and had previously been taking pics.' The incident became a light-hearted moment in the media, but also highlighted a relatable side to the usually polished politician.
Mr Sunak's political career has been nothing short of meteoric. Born in 1980 in Southampton to parents of Indian descent, he attended the prestigious Winchester College before studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University. He later earned an MBA from Stanford University, where he met his wife Akshata Murty, the daughter of Indian billionaire N. R. Narayana Murthy. After a stint in investment banking and hedge fund management, Mr Sunak entered Parliament in 2015 as the MP for Richmond (now Richmond & Northallerton). He rose quickly through the ranks, becoming Chief Secretary to the Treasury in 2019, Chancellor of the Exchequer in 2020, and finally Prime Minister in October 2022, following the resignation of Liz Truss.
His tenure as Chancellor was marked by the furlough scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, which earned him widespread praise. However, his premiership was dominated by economic challenges, including high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. He also faced controversies over his family's tax affairs and his own personal wealth. After losing the 2024 general election to Labour, Mr Sunak stepped down as Conservative leader but remained in Parliament as a backbencher. He has since taken on a less public role, although he continues to attend high-profile events like Wimbledon.
The Wimbledon appearance also offered a glimpse into the social circles of the former PM. Among those in the royal box were Dame Denise Lewis, the Olympic heptathlon champion turned broadcaster, Jeanette Kwakye, a former sprinter and now a regular presenter, and England Lioness Beth Mead. The presence of sports stars and entertainers underlined the cross-party appeal of the event, which attracts figures from all walks of life. Mr Sunak appeared in good spirits, chatting with fellow guests and watching the tennis action intently.
Despite his ongoing recovery, the former PM has insisted that he is determined to maintain a full schedule. In his social media posts from April, he noted that he intended to keep up with his parliamentary and constituency work, although he admitted he would be unable to walk his dog Nova for some time. Nova, a Labrador cross, has often featured in Mr Sunak's social media posts and was even brought to Downing Street during his time as Prime Minister.
The ski accident has also prompted speculation about the former PM's adventurous side. Known for his disciplined image, Mr Sunak has occasionally shown a more playful side, whether by taking his children on ski trips or attempting ice skating. These moments, often captured by photographers or shared on social media, help to humanise a figure who is often seen as reserved and policy-focused.
As Wimbledon continues into its second week, the appearance of a former prime minister on crutches will no doubt be one of the more memorable sights of the tournament. For Mr Sunak, the focus now is on recovery and his ongoing work as a constituency MP, with the summer recess offering some time to rest. Whether he will be fully fit for the autumn parliamentary session remains to be seen, but for now, the former PM is making the best of his situation, hobbling around one of the world's most prestigious sporting events with characteristic determination.
Other notable figures spotted at Wimbledon during the day included Professor Brian Cox, who was seen deep in conversation with Joseph Fiennes, and Andrew Marr, who was observing the crowd as much as the tennis. The diversity of the guest list reflected the enduring appeal of the championships, which attract royalty, politicians, athletes, and celebrities every year. Mr Sunak, despite his current physical limitations, seemed to enjoy the occasion, taking in the atmosphere and the competition on Centre Court.
The former PM's injury also serves as a reminder of the risks that even seasoned skiers can face. Skiing is a popular pastime among the political elite, with many MPs and ministers taking annual skiing trips. Mr Sunak's decision to share his accident publicly, complete with a humorous tone, was widely praised as a relatable move. It also generated significant media coverage, with many outlets highlighting his 'dad' moment of trying to impress his children.
In the weeks following the accident, Mr Sunak continued to attend events, often using the crutches. He was seen at a constituency surgery in North Yorkshire, and also made a brief appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show in May. His mobility has clearly improved, but the continued use of crutches at Wimbledon suggests that full recovery may still be some weeks away. Medical experts have noted that serious ski injuries, such as fractures or ligament damage, can take several months to heal completely, especially for someone in their mid-40s.
For the residents of Richmond & Northallerton, the sight of their MP on crutches is a familiar one. Mr Sunak has maintained a strong local presence, often holding regular advice surgeries and attending community events. His constituency is largely rural, covering parts of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, and he has been a vocal advocate for farming and rural businesses. Even while injured, he has continued to work from his constituency home, conducting meetings via video calls when necessary.
The Sunak family's close-knit dynamic has also been on display throughout this period. Akshata Murty has been a constant presence, accompanying her husband to various events. The couple's two daughters are often seen in family photos, and the ski accident was a family affair. Despite the pain and inconvenience, Mr Sunak's willingness to share his mishap has reinforced his image as a family man who values time with his children above all.
As the tennis world turns its attention to the latter stages of Wimbledon, the image of a former prime minister on crutches will remain a talking point. For Mr Sunak, it may also serve as a gentle reminder of his own fallibility – a quality that, in the often-stoic world of politics, can be oddly endearing.
Source: Daily Mirror News