On July 14, the Princess of Wales made a noteworthy appearance at Wimbledon men’s singles final while undergoing cancer treatment. Accompanied by her 9-year-old daughter, Charlotte, they mingled with event attendees before heading to the Royal Box at Centre Court.
As they settled into the front row of the Royal Box, the crowd spontaneously rose to their feet, offering Princess Kate a heartfelt standing ovation. Princess Charlotte beamed with pride as her mom acknowledged the applause with a smile, visibly moved by the moment.
A wonderful Centre Court welcome for our Patron HRH The Princess of Wales
#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/HGcphka27P
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 14, 2024
This rare and emotional public appearance for Kate amidst her cancer treatment left a lasting impact. Photographer Karwai Tang, who captured the sweet scene, shared, “When [Kate] usually comes in, she walks down the steps and into her seat. She doesn’t normally stand and wave. But she stood for a while and took it all in. For her to acknowledge it and take in the applause was special.”
The Princess of Wales presented the Wimbledon trophy to Carlos Alcaraz this afternoon as the Spaniard won the Grand Slam for a second year in a row
A Royal Retreat
Despite her ongoing battle with cancer, Kate has stepped away from her public royal duties to immerse herself in the world of tennis. Today, all eyes were on the court as Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz faced off against the seasoned champion, Novak Djokovic. Both players vied for the coveted trophy, which Kate herself would later present—an honor that underscored her enduring commitment to the sport.
A Family Affair
Accompanied by her nine-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Middleton, Kate made her second public appearance of the year. The applause that greeted her echoed the nation’s admiration for this future queen. Before taking her seat, Kate and Charlotte mingled with players, including the rising star Emma Raducanu. The young princess’s delight at meeting the tennis prodigy was palpable.
Notable Absences
Notably absent from the Royal Box was Prince George, aged ten. Speculation abounds—will he join his father at the Euros final in Berlin? The suspense adds an extra layer of intrigue to the day’s proceedings.
Star-Studded Company
The Royal Box was a constellation of luminaries. Tom Cruise, a close friend of the royals, shared the space with Benedict Cumberbatch, an Eton classmate of Prince William. London Mayor Sadiq Khan and tennis legend Andre Agassi added to the star-studded lineup.
Familiar Faces
Kate’s second cousin, Lord Frederick Windsor, and his wife, Sophie Winkleman, joined her and Charlotte. The Windsors share a close bond with the Wales family, their children having attended the same school as Charlotte and George.
A Purple Statement
Kate, resplendent in a £1295 purple dress from Safiyaa, epitomized tennis chic. As a devoted fan, she has been the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club since 2016. Today, she engaged in animated conversations with female players, adding a personal touch to the final day of play at SW19.
Passing the Torch
Traditionally, Kate presents the trophy to the Ladies Singles winner. However, this year, she graced the tournament on its final day—a testament to her unwavering support for the sport.
Charlotte’s Charm
Princess Charlotte, at nine years old, stole hearts in her blue polka-dot ensemble. With her hair tied back in a bow, she embodied youthful exuberance and royal grace.
Princess Charlotte sweetly did a pinky swear with player Lucy Shuker
As the sun dipped below the historic courts, the legacy of tennis royalty continued. Princess Kate’s presence elevated the event, reminding us that even amidst challenges, love for the game endures.
