Protective Princess Charlotte sticks close to mum Kate as they enjoy a girls’ day out at Wimbledon men’s final

PRINCESS Charlotte cast a protective figure as she joined her mother Princess Kate at Wimbledon on Sunday.

The nine-year-old stuck close to Katherine’s side as they arrived at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club for the Men’s Singles final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcarez.

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Princess Charlotte cast a protective figure as she arrived at Wimbledon with mum Princess Kate on Sunday[/caption]

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The nine-year-old stuck close to the Princess of Wales’ side in what was the royal’s second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis[/caption]

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The pair shared a joke as they headed inside[/caption]

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While Kate looked radiant in purple, Charlotte was smart and stylish in a £70 Guess number[/caption]

As they arrived at the venue, Charlotte stood next to the Princess of Wales, shaking hands with ground staff and officials before they made their way inside.

While Kate looked incredible in a purple Safiyaa dress, Charlotte appeared to have chosen a £70 polka dot Guess number.

The dress was in navy – a colour Charlotte has worn on numerous times in the past – and she also wore a blue bow in her hair.

Her brunette locks were half tied back in sweet plaits, secured with the bow.

Charlotte teamed the outfit with a pair of plain cream pumps.

She continued to stick near her mum as they made their way to their seats in the Royal Box.

In an incredibly touching moment, Charlotte looked up proudly at her mother as the entire Centre Court stood up and cheered when Kate made her way to her seat – followed closely by sister Pippa.

Tom Cruise and Benedict Cumberbatch, who were seated just two rows behind the royals, joined the crowd in their enthusiastic response to their arrival.

While it wasn’t clear which, if any, of her children Kate was going to take to Wimbledon, it appears as though she’d decided to have a girls’ day out with her daughter and sister.

The news will likely be a blow to six-year-old Prince Louis, who Kate said was “really upset” to have missed the occasion last year.

And the crowds are sure to miss Louis too, as he’s known for his entertaining antics whenever he joins his royal relatives at events.

The Wimbledon final was only the second public appearance Kate has made since revealing her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

In a televised address in March, Katherine announced her health battle, and also spoke about how she and husband Prince William had broken the news to her three children – George, Charlotte and Louis.

“It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok,” she said at the time.

“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits. 

“Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. 

“As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”

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Kate made her way carefully to the royal box[/caption]

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And was greeted with a standing ovation from the entire Centre Court[/caption]

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Princess Charlotte, sitting next to her Auntie Pippa too, looked up proudly at her mum as the applause continued[/caption]

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The response looked to have come as something of a surprise to the bashful princess[/caption]

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The pair looked in good spirits as they took to their seats[/caption]