Major change Wimbledon bosses could make amid Kate's recovery

28 June 2024 , 15:10

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Wimbledon bosses are giving Kate 'as much flexibility as possible' (Image: Offside via Getty Images)

The Princess of Wales is a keen tennis player and has been the patron of the All England Club since 2016.

In recent years, Kate has also been given the prestigious role of presenting the trophies to singles winners at the annual tournament. However, this year, Wimbledon officials may need to find a last-minute replacement for the Princess as it has not been confirmed if she will be taking part amid her ongoing treatment for cancer.

Kate, 42, is currently not undergoing official royal duties after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in January. Earlier this month, the Princess made a surprise attendance at the Trooping of Colour and shared that she wasn't ready to return to work full-time, but hoped to join "a few public engagements over the summer".

The Princess is a huge Wimbledon fan and usually presents trophies to the singles champions (Javier Garcia/REX/Shutterstock)

Kensington Palace has said they cannot confirm further engagements until much nearer to the time, in keeping with guidance from health officials, but Wimbledon bosses are "hopeful" about Kate attending the tennis tournament and presenting trophies to the champions this year.

All England Club chair Debbie Jevans shared they would give Kate "as much flexibility as possible" as she continues her preventative chemotherapy treatment, including postponing finding a replacement. Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Ms Jevans said: "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.

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"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. 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."

The Princess herself has said she has "good days and not so good days" but she is "not out of the woods yet". In her most recent personal message, ahead of the King's birthday celebrations, she said: "My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months... I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty."

The royal trophy presentation is seen as a hugely important tradition at Wimbledon and having the Princess present would be a huge win for the AELTC. Although the club has not formalised alternative plans for the role, its options would include another member of the Royal Family or even Ms Jevans herself, as chair of the club and former player at Wimbledon.

Nia Dalton