Fans are keeping everything crossed that Princess Kate will make an appearance at Wimbledon this year. William’s wife is an avid tennis fan who is a regular in the royal box
It’s no secret that Wimbledon is Kate’s favourite sporting event. And royal fans are hoping to see her make an appearance at the 2024 tournament, which kicked off this week.
Kate has kept a very low profile ever since she disclosed she had been diagnosed with cancer in March. But to the delight of the public, she made a return to the spotlight for Trooping the Colour just last month.
At the time, the Princess shared a health update, saying that she is “making good progress” but “there are good days and bad days”. She also shared her hopes that she can “join a few public engagements over the summer” while also noting, “I am not out of the woods yet”.
Certainly, royal watchers are hoping the 42-year-old does feel well enough to attend the high-profile competition. The Princess has been patron of the All England Club since 2016, and traditionally presents trophies to the Wimbledon champions.
And the All England Club chair Debbie Jevans hasn’t ruled out an appearance entirely, confirming that organisers are “staying flexible” over who will conduct the trophy presentation if the Princess is unable to do so this year.
Debbie told Telegraph Sport: “We’re hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as the Club’s patron, but her health and recovery is the priority. We don’t know what we don’t know. All we’ve said is that we’ll work with her and give her as much flexibility as possible.”
She continued: “I don’t know who would present the trophies as an alternative – that’s something to consider nearer the time if necessary. We’re staying flexible. When we hear, we’ll then think about what’s the right thing to do.”
Meanwhile, Kate is a huge tennis fan and it is one of her favourite annual events to enjoy with her children. In 2023, Kate attended the Wimbledon final with her two oldest children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, while her youngest, Prince Louis, stayed at home.
She explained to officials at the time: “Louis was very upset he wasn’t coming today!” before adding: “They’ve been eagerly watching. Charlotte, you’ve been getting to grips with the scoring.”
The Princess’ parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her younger siblings, Pippa and James, are also heavily into the sport, and have all accompanied her in the royal box over the years fuelling speculation that Kate could join them for a last-minute appearance.
Kate previously spoke to Sue Barker about her love of tennis in a 2017 BBC documentary. She said: “I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up. It’s such a quintessential part of the English summer, and I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game. It hasn’t changed either, I think that’s what’s so wonderful.”
