Kate Middleton returned to the green — and marked her second public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March.
On Sunday, the Princess of Wales — who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club — attended the Wimbledon Men’s Single Finals game and watched Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia face-off for the big prize. Kate, 42, was greeted by a standing ovation and a round of applause by attendees in the stadium, as she made her way to her seat inside the Royal Box at Centre Court to watch the match.
Along for the occasion was Kate and Prince William’s 9-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte, who trailed behind her mom as she made her entrance. Together, along with Pippa Middleton, Kate and Charlotte watched — and reacted to the match.
Kate is a regular fixture at the Wimbledon games, but has been noticeably absent for the majority of the competition, as she undergoes treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Last week, the royal’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton attended the tennis competition. Kate also sent well-wishes to Andy Murray, after her played what would be his final Wimbledon match of his career — amid his retirement from the sport.
“An incredible #Wimbledon career comes to an end. You should be so very proud @andy_murray. On behalf of all of us, thank you! C,” the personal message from Kate read across her shared social media platforms.
Last week, Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, expressed cautious optimism about the princess’ potential attendance.
“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,” Jevans told Telegraph Sport on Thursday. “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.”
Kate’s last appearance at Wimbledon came in 2023 when she attended with her husband, Prince William, and their oldest children, Charlotte and Prince George. The royal presented Djokovic with the trophy after he took home the win in the men’s singles.
The princess made her first public appearance of 2024 in June when she joined the royal family during the Trooping the Colour ceremony. The princess was noticeably absent last month when William, George and Charlotte, attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in London.
At the time, ET learned that Kate stayed home with Prince Louis, 6, while William, George and Charlotte shook it off during the star-studded concert.
A source told ET, “Princess Kate is not expected to attend any future Taylor concerts. Her appearance at the King’s Trooping the Colour doesn’t mean she is returning to a full schedule of public engagements yet.”
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