Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, made a rare public appearance at the Wimbledon Championships on July 14, 2024, despite undergoing ongoing cancer treatment. The 42-year-old royal attended the men’s singles final, accompanied by her nine-year-old daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Middleton, 40.
This outing marked only the second public appearance for Kate this year, as she has largely stayed out of the public eye to focus on her recovery. As the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, a role bestowed upon her by Queen Elizabeth in 2016, Kate also fulfilled her duty of presenting the trophies to the finalists. Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious over Novak Djokovic, winning 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4).
Upon her arrival at the Royal Box on Centre Court, Kate received a standing ovation from the crowd. She smiled and waved, visibly moved by the warm reception. During the BBC broadcast, tennis legend John McEnroe remarked, “It’s awesome seeing the Princess of Wales at the finals after what she’s been through.”
Before the match, Princess Kate and Charlotte met with former female champions, including Emma Raducanu, who presented Kate with flowers. They also interacted with participants in the “Work at Wimbledon” program, which offers young people opportunities to work at the Championships. Kate’s post on X read: “Great to be back at @Wimbledon! There’s nothing quite like The Championships,” accompanied by photos, including one of Charlotte with her own tennis racket.
Other notable attendees in the Royal Box included actor Tom Cruise, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, tennis icon Andre Agassi, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Kate’s husband, Prince William, was absent, as he had traveled to Germany to watch England’s soccer team compete in the Euro 2024 championship game.
Kate’s presence at Wimbledon comes weeks after her first public appearance since her diagnosis, where she joined the royal family at Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration of King Charles’ birthday. Despite her health challenges, Kate has made efforts to continue fulfilling her royal duties. Wimbledon organizers had previously expressed hope that Kate would attend and continue the tradition of handing out prizes. Debbie Jevans, chair of the club, emphasized that Kate’s health and recovery were the top priority, allowing her as much flexibility as possible.
In March, Kate revealed that post-operative tests had found cancer, necessitating chemotherapy. She requested privacy and space to focus on her treatment. In a June update, she shared that there are “good days and bad days” but hoped to participate in some public engagements over the summer.
The Princess of Wales, known for her love of tennis, has been a regular at Wimbledon since marrying Prince William in 2011. She missed only the 2013 matches when she was heavily pregnant with Prince George and the 2020 tournament, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication to the sport and the Championships remains strong, even as she navigates her health journey.
During the match, Charlotte’s appearance also drew attention. The young princess, wearing a blue chiffon dress with white polka dots and pink-framed Ray-Ban sunglasses, mirrored her mother’s fashion sense, making headlines and sparking a surge in online searches for similar kids’ sunglasses. Kate, wearing a purple midi dress by Safiyaa and black-framed sunglasses, looked on proudly as her daughter enjoyed the match.
After the match, Kate congratulated Alcaraz on his remarkable victory and thanked the Wimbledon staff for their hard work. A behind-the-scenes video showed Kate and Charlotte’s afternoon, showcasing their interactions and the joy they shared during the event.
Kate’s appearance at Wimbledon is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her royal duties and personal passions. As she continues her treatment, her public engagements remain selective, guided by her medical team. The royal family traditionally retreats from the spotlight during the summer, often spending private time together at Balmoral Castle in Scotland or their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.
Despite her ongoing health challenges, Kate Middleton’s return to Wimbledon was a significant moment, reflecting her strength and commitment. Her appearance, alongside Princess Charlotte, added a personal touch to the prestigious event, delighting fans and attendees alike.
