To bow or not to bow... that was the question. And Andy Murray finally put the issue to rest when he made the gesture in front of the Queen today.
The British No 1, who had suggested that he would refuse to acknowledge the monarch, became the first tennis player in 33 years to play in front of her at Wimbledon.
Five minutes after the Queen took her place in the front row of the royal box, the 23-year-old Scot and Jarkko Nieminen stepped on Centre Court, turned towards her and took their bows — to huge cheers.
And Murray's decision to follow protocol paid off as he defeated his Danish opponent, 28, in their second round match 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Both players bowed again before walking off court — and Her Majesty talked to Murray later.
Although the Queen has been invited to the All England Club for the two-week tournament every year during her reign, today was only the fourth time she has accepted.
Dressed in a turquoise suit and matching hat, the 84-year-old monarch was given a small tour of the grounds before taking her place on court.
On arrival, she was given a posy by ball girl Marianna Spring, 14, and welcomed by the Duke of Kent before viewing Murray Mount. She then went on to meet Wimbledon champions, top seeds and Britain's top women players.
Reigning men's champion Roger Federer said after speaking to the Queen: "It is a big honour for me and the club." Record-breaking former Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova added: "The Queen was lovely."
Serena Williams also got her chance to meet the Queen — after revealing she had been rehearsing her curtsy.
Scores of fans were stranded today after the District line to Wimbledon was suspended when a branch fell on the track. Services were quickly resumed.
