Kate Middleton’s five-word statement over why she gave up tennis

Kate Middleton is known for her love of sport, with rarely a game that she can’t expertly turn her hand to.

But the Princess of Wales previously told enthusiastic young tennis fans at a tennis training session that she wasn’t able to get out on the court as much as she would like these days – because “I’ve got lots of babies”.

As the patron of the All England Club where Wimbledon is hosted, Kate, 42, is a regular fixture at The Championships, both in the Royal box and presenting the winners’ trophies on centre court.

But while she has occasionally been pictured hitting a few balls at launch events, the Princess does not play much herself now that she has three young children, as she explained to a primary school group in 2018.

Visitjng Bond Primary in Mitcham, South London to see a training session funded by outreach programme the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative, Kate opened up to the keen young players at the time.

She said: “I love tennis, I think it’s a great sport, I was really sporty when I was little, less so now that I’ve got lots of babies!

“But keep it up, it’s great to be active, as everyone’s been saying here today. It’s been a real pleasure to meet all of you.”

Last year, Kate attended the Wimbledon final with her two elder children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, but told officials at the club: “Louis was very upset he wasn’t coming today,” adding of her children: “They’ve been eagerly watching. Charlotte, you’ve been getting to grips with the scoring.”

After their conversation, 16 year old Wimbledon ballboy Joel revealed Louis “tries to practise the standing and staying serious like us”. He continued: “He tries to practise the stands and how we stand at the back of the court and next to the players.”

It isn’t yet known whether Kate will make her usual appearance at Wimbledon, which runs from 1 – 14 July, as she is currently receiving treatment for cancer and has taken time off from Royal duties.

A rare public appearance earlier this month saw the family celebrate King Charles’ official birthday at Trooping the Colour, during which Kate made her first major official appearance since announcing her health condition in March.

The mum of three was dressed impeccably in a monochrome outfit with large disc-style fascinator. But despite William’s equally grand attire, it was six-year-old Prince Louis who stole the show yet again. Known for his sometimes hilarious antics at official engagements, the young royal was spotted showing off his dance moves and pretending to fall asleep at one point.

Marking husband William’s 42nd birthday recently, Kate posted a photograph taken last month in Norfolk of him with their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis jumping high above some sand dunes. In the touching caption, she wrote: “Happy birthday Papa, we all love you so much! Cx”