Kate Middleton, a fixture at Wimbledon, may grace the annual tennis tournament this year, despite undergoing preventative chemotherapy. Having kicked off on July 1st, Wimbledon 2024 will run for two weeks, concluding on July 14th, leaving room for a potential royal appearance at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). As a patron of the AELTC since 2016, the Princess of Wales has been a regular presence at the games, often presenting the trophy to the winner. While there’s a chance another individual might take on that role this year, Wimbledon officials remain hopeful for the princess’ attendance in the royal box and are prepared to adapt to her needs.
Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Club, told The Telegraph, “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.”
Since her cancer diagnosis, the royal has stepped back from public engagements, making a recent appearance at the Trooping of Colour event last month. This followed a deeply personal statement from the princess herself, reflecting on her health journey and acknowledging the ongoing challenges. She shared, “I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much-needed time to heal.”
