Tennis
Kate Middleton stuns at Wimbledon as she makes rare public appearance
The Princess of Wales made a rare public appearance at Wimbledon’s men’s final this afternoon to present the winner’s trophy to Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz
Kate, Princess of Wales, has made a rare public appearance at Wimbledon to present the winner’s trophy at the conclusion men’s final this afternoon despite taking a back-seat on Royal duties as she recovers from cancer.
Joined by Princess Charlotte, 9, and her sister, Pippa Middleton, Kate – who announced in March that she had been diagnosed with the disease – delighted Royal enthusiasts as she smiled at fellow tennis fans in a stunning purple dress. Cheers erupted for Princess Kate at Wimbledon as she made just her second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis.
Dressed in purple and with a beaming smile, Kate appeared full of joy as she walked over the famous bridge inside the grounds with daughter Charlotte, on their way towards Centre Court before the men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
There was a huge buzz inside SW19 as crowds gathered in their hundreds desperate to catch a glimpse of Kate – who twice waved to adoring crowds as arrived at 1.45pm. She was quickly led over the bridge and into Centre Court, where she will later present the men’s winner with the famous trophy.
Kensington Palace announced on Saturday that the Princess of Wales would be making a surprise return to Centre Court in a rare public appearance following the news.
The Princess, who is an avid tennis fan, will hand over the prize to either Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz, Kensington Palace said.
Plans had been put in place for the Duchess of Gloucester, an Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association for 25 years, to step in if the Princess of Wales was unavailable as she continues her treatment. But it was later revealed that she would be in attendance. She is joined by her daughter Princess Charlotte and sister Pippa Middleton.
It’s the first time Kate has been seen since Trooping the Colour last month, where she beamed as she waved to the huge crowds with her three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – before emerging on the Buckingham Palace balcony next to her husband Prince William as the pair chatted enthusiastically.
In her most recent health update, the Princess said she is “making good progress” but “there are good days and bad days”. She also shared her hopes that she can “join a few public engagements over the summer” while also noting, “I am not out of the woods yet”.
Kate will be attending today’s final at the Royal Box, frequented by celebrities, sporting royalty and royalty alike, it’s a common to spot for Prince William or Kate Middleton enjoying the best seats in the house. The Royal Box dates back to 1922 and it has been used to entertain friends and guests of Wimbledon 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.