Key change Wimbledon organisers could make amid Kate Middleton’s recovery as they issue statement
WIMBLEDON starts today and many royal fans will be wondering whether Princess Kate will be in attendance this year.
The Princess of Wales is a huge tennis fan but has understandably taken a step back from public duties as she undergoes her cancer treatment.
The All England Club chair Debbie Jevans has confirmed that they are “staying flexible” over who will present trophies to the Wimbledon champions this year.
Traditionally Princess Kate does the honour, in her role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC).
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 added: “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.”
According to a royal expert, the Princess of Wales, 42, “would love” to go to Wimbledon this year if her health allows.
Emily Andrews told Grazia magazine: “Her treatment is ongoing, and will be for the next few months, but I understand she would like to visit the Wimbledon tennis tournament — she is a patron — if she feels up to it.”
The royal expert added that Kate is experiencing “good and bad days” as she continues with her cancer treatment.
KATE’S TENNIS LOVE
Kate is known for being an avid tennis fan, and has rarely missed a tournament since her marriage to Prince William.
She did skip the championships in 2013 – and missed Andy Murray‘s first Wimbledon victory – but this was due to her being heavily pregnant with Prince George at the time.
Princess Kate used to take tennis lessons at the elite Hurlingham Club in Fulham, and even set up training sessions for Prince George with tennis legend Roger Federer.
During an appearance on BBC documentary, Sue Barker: Our Wimbledon, in 2017, Kate 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.”
Wimbledon takes place over 14 days and this year is on from Monday July 1 – Sunday July 14, with the Ladies’ Singles Final scheduled for the final Saturday and the Mens’ Singles Final on the last day.
Last year, the Prince and Princess of Wales brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte along for the Mens’ Final.
The royal kids were pictured cheering for 20-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz after he beat seven-time champ Novak Djokovic.
KATE’S HEALTH UPDATE
In a personally written statement released on June 14, Princess Kate said she was making “good progress’, explaining that there are “good days and bad days”.
She wrote her treatment will be “ongoing and will be for a few more months” and that she is “not out of the woods yet”.
Kate added: “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.”
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King’s Birthday Parade
She also thanked the public, saying: “Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”
Kate did not attend the Colonel’s Review on June 8, but in a letter penned to the Irish Guards she revealed: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.”
The Princess of Wales announced on March 22, 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and revealed she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment after post-operation tests came back positive.
She underwent major abdominal surgery in London in January which was thought to be non-cancerous at the time.
MOST RECENT APPEARANCE
Princess Kate appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside the King, Queen, Prince William and her children on June 15.
Last year, King Charles was front and centre as he watched the display next to his son, and heir to the throne, Prince William.
However, the line-up was swapped this year so the monarch could stand next to his beloved daughter-in-law, Kate.
Both King Charles and Princess Kate are undergoing treatment for cancer, and heartwarming images showed them standing shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the crowds.
The royal pair appeared united as they beamed and watched fans gathered down The Mall.