When the Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance at last year’s Wimbledon after her cancer diagnosis, she shared a touching moment with her daughter as they were welcomed by a standing ovation
With this year’s Wimbledon competition in full swing, many spectators have been revelling in the many royal and celebrity sightings off the court, while also cheering on the brilliant action by the world ’s best tennis players. With Sarah, Duchess of York and Princess Beatrice already making an appearance in the royal box, many are wondering who else from the Firm will be sat courtside for the rest of the tournament.
Last year, Princess Kate made her triumphant return to Wimbledon, with many hoping she will once again be present at one of the matches this year. When Kate arrived at the summer event in 2024, she was met with rousing applause and a standing ovation, with her last-minute appearance delighting thousands of spectators.
Kate was joined by Princess Charlotte for the men’s final match, with Kate presenting the trophy to the winner. The memorable appearance was only the second time the Princess of Wales had been seen in public since the shocking news of her cancer diagnosis just months before.
Kate, who has long been an avid tennis fan and regular attendee at Wimbledon tournaments in years past, was met with a round of applause as she arrived smiling at Centre Court. She politely summoned then nine-year-old Charlotte into her seat, alongside Pippa Middleton.
According to lip-reading expert, Nicola Hickling, the Princess told the pair where to sit and shared a positive message. Reading the Princess’ lips, Nicola noted that Kate said: “Charlotte, I want you to sit here and Pippa, you’re next to Charlotte. Just here.”
Then she turned to former tennis professional, Debbie Jevans, who was seated on her left and dressed in a cream suit, and joyfully said: “It’s so good, and we’re seated together.”
Kate has been a patron of the AELTC, which conducts the day-to-day operations of The Championships, since 2016 and its official colours are purple and green, as she wore a stunning purple dress to match the occasion.
It’s not the first time Kate has sat in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, as an avid tennis fan and regular championships attendee. The Royal Box dates back to 1922 and has been used to entertain friends and guests ever since.
Accordingly, you must be personally invited by the Chairman of the All England Club before you can enjoy one of the iconic green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs.
Many have speculated whether Princess Kate will be attending this year’s Wimbledon tournament, given her recent last-minute decision to pull out of her appearance at Royal Ascot, sharing a statement that she was still “finding the right balance” between recovering from cancer and her royal duties.
The princess completed three engagements in the week leading up to Royal Ascot, attending the new V&A East Storeroom exhibition space in London, the King’s official birthday celebrations at Trooping the Colour and Garter Day in Windsor.
After pulling out of her Ascot appearance, Princess Kate spoke candidly about her recovery at the Colchester Hospital’s cancer centre, saying: “There is this whole phase when you finish your treatment that you, yourself, everybody expects you, right you’ve finished your time, go, you’re better, and that’s not the case at all.”
