Palace confirms senior royal WILL attend Wimbledon tomorrow – as tennis bosses ‘hopeful’ Kate will make appearance
A SENIOR member of the Royal Family is set to attend Wimbledon tomorrow – and tennis chiefs are “hopeful” Kate will appear.
The sporting event started earlier this week, with royal enthusiasts left wondering whether the Princess of Wales, who is a huge tennis fan, would be in attendance this year.
Kate has understandably taken a step back from public duties as she undergoes her cancer treatment.
But The Duchess of Gloucester, Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association, will be in attendance at tomorrow’s event, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
She will be at the Lawn Tennis Association President’s Lunch and afterwards attend the Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) in Wimbledon.
AELTC chair Debbie Jevans had earlier confirmed that they are “staying flexible” over who will present trophies to the Wimbledon champions this year.
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.”
According to a royal expert, the Princess of Wales, 42, “would love” to go to Wimbledon this year if her health allows.
Emily Andrews told Grazia magazine: “Her treatment is ongoing, and will be for the next few months, but I understand she would like to visit the Wimbledon tennis tournament — she is a patron — if she feels up to it.”
The royal expert added that Kate is experiencing “good and bad days” as she continues with her cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales is known for being an avid tennis fan, and has rarely missed a tournament since her marriage to Prince William.
She did miss the championships in 2013 – and Andy Murray‘s first Wimbledon victory – but this was due to her being heavily pregnant with Prince George at the time.
Princess Kate used to take tennis lessons at the elite Hurlingham Club in Fulham, and even set up training sessions for Prince George with tennis legend Roger Federer.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
Jan 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
Jan 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
Jan 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
Jan 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
Jan 29: Kate leaves hospital
Feb 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
Mar 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King’s Birthday Parade
During an appearance on BBC documentary, Sue Barker: Our Wimbledon, in 2017, Kate said: “I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up.
“It’s such a quintessential part of the English summer, and I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game.
“It hasn’t changed either, I think that’s what’s so wonderful.”
Wimbledon takes place over 14 days and this year is on from Monday July 1 – Sunday July 14, with the Ladies’ Singles Final scheduled for the final Saturday and the Mens’ Singles Final on the last day.
