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 fans as she smiled at fellow tennis fans in a stunning purple dress.
Wimbledon marks only the second time the Princess of Wales has made a public appearance.
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 of her cancer diagnosis. 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.
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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.
