Princess Kate to attend Wimbledon men’s final, palace confirms
Kate Middleton will make her second public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis, the palace says.
Tennis
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Princess Kate has delighted royal fans by confirming she will attend the Wimbledon Men’s Final on Sunday.
A royal expert has shared how the announcement is a “huge step forward” for the Princess of Wales and is “very positive news” amid her cancer treatment, The Sun reports.
There had been hopes Kate, who is the patron of The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC), would attend the finals of the Wimbledon Championships this weekend.
Kensington Palace has confirmed Kate, 42, will be at the tennis tournament tomorrow for the men’s final, but will not be present for Saturday’s women’s final.
Speaking of the announcement, Royal Historian Hugh Vickers told The Sun: “I think it’s extremely good news because not only will Wimbledon have the most exciting match tomorrow in the men’s finals, with Djokovic playing Alcaraz, but also the presence of Catherine, Princess of Wales will just be the icing on the cake because everybody had been hoping so much that she would be well enough to attend.
“And we are told that she is still having treatment and so she has to take things day by day.
“She told us in the last message at the time of Trooping the Colour that she isn’t out of the woods yet.
“So each appearance is a step forward, and I can’t think of a better way of celebrating tomorrow than her being at Wimbledon.”
The royal expert added that both the crowd and viewers will be “absolutely thrilled” at seeing the Princess of Wales.
Kate was last seen in public at Trooping the Colour on June 15 – with Prince William proudly standing at her side.
Prior to Trooping the Colour, Kate had not been seen with the Royal Family since Christmas Day last year at Sandringham.
“Catherine became president of the All England tennis club in 2016 – the Duke of Kent was always the person who was there before, and there’s been a sort of gradual handover – and she loves tennis.
“And so rather than having to watch it at home, it’s wonderful to think that she’ll be in the royal box because we’ve rather missed her this year.
“And I gather that she will also present the trophy. So this is all very positive news.”
Deborah Jevans, chair of the AELTC, will present the Ladies’ trophy today at the request of the princess to either Jasmine Paolini or Barbora Krejcikova.
Hugh continued: “In every possible way, it’s a good sign.
Tennis bosses recently revealed they remained hopeful the Princess of Wales would head to Wimbledon this year.
AELTC chair Debbie previously said they were “staying flexible” over who will present trophies.
Traditionally Kate does the honour, in her role as patron of the group.
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.”
Kate’s big appeal
Legendary former royal correspondent Charles Rae told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show there is a big reason why Wimbledon organisers would “love” to have her back.
Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, he said: “I think the people at Wimbledon would love to have Catherine back in again because it will boost the viewing audience and boost people being there.
“The problem with it is that when we first found out about her cancer, various people were putting dates on about when she was due to come back.
“She was going to be back in late April, she’s going to be back for Trooping or back for whatever.
“We just don’t know when she is going to be back.”
Another expert previously said Kate “would love” to go to Wimbledon this year if her health allows.
Royal’s health journey
Kate was taken into hospital for planned abdominal surgery in January and spent 13 nights at the London Clinic before continuing her recovery at home with her family.
In March, Kate bravely released a video revealing “tests after the operation found cancer had been present” and that she had started preventive cancer treatment.
The Princess said the diagnosis had come as a “huge shock” – but vowed: “I am well and getting stronger every day”.
Princess Kate gave an update on her health last month – just hours before Trooping the Colour.
She revealed her treatment is “ongoing and will be for a few more months” as she revealed she is “not out of the woods yet”.
But she told how it is a “joy” for her to still engage with school life and spend time “on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home”.
She said: “I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months.
“It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.
This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.
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