Will she or won’t she? Royal watchers are hoping to see the Princess of Wales make her usual appearance at the Wimbledon Championship Tournament this year. While royal VIPs like Queen Camilla and Princess Beatrice have already been spotted in the grandstands, there is much speculation about whether the princess will attend the sporting match as she continues to recover from cancer treatment.
Wimbledon officials have said they’re “hopeful” the princess will show her support this year and feel well enough to be seen at the public event. Organizers are keen to have the princess’ presence and are giving her as much “flexibility as possible.”
Kate’s most likely to attend over the weekend to award the tournament winners with their trophies — but there are a few other signs she might be applauding in the stands in 2024.
Here are 5 Signs Suggesting Kate Middleton Will Attend Wimbledon this Year:
1. Committed to Patron Duty
As the Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, Kate is almost never absent at the summer sporting event. She’s so passionate about attending that she’s made the annual outing a family affair — she’s brought her sister Pippa Matthews and father Michael Middleton to watch the competition on the court. In addition, she’s frequently been accompanied by her husband Prince William and even brought her children to watch the Wimbledon Men’s Final in July 2023.
2. Middleton Cheering Section
Kate’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton have already attended the Wimbledon tennis tournament on three occasions this year. On July 4th, they were seated in the front row of the royal box. The Middleton Matriarch has appeared in a variety of fashion labels favored by the princess including — a floral maxi by Cefinn, a floaty blue bow adorned dress by Self-Portrait and a ME+EM silk cotton petal burst maxi dress paired with an ME+EM checked blazer. In particular, Carole’s repeated attendance likely signifies that Kate’s recovery is progressing and she might step out for the finals.
3. Tennis Superfan
Even pre-marriage and before becoming a full-fledged Windsor wife, Kate was often spotted attending Wimbledon with her sister and friends. (She famously was photographed watching the action on the court in June 2008 wearing a white Issa ‘Lucky’ dress.) The princess’ dedication to the sport and her interest in the players might give her an extra push to attend. Sources told the Daily Beast that she would “dearly love” to be at this year’s summer tournament.
4. Past Regrets
The princess was noticeably absent from the spectator stands in the summer of 2013 as she was advised by doctors to rest before giving birth to Prince George on July 22, 2013. Kate opened up about the dilemma in a 2017 BBC documentary called Our Wimbledon; she revealed the fact that she was greatly disappointed she couldn’t make it to watch the Men’s Single finals with Andy Murray. (The match was a highlight of the Grand Slam championship in 2013).
5. Trophy Handout Hopes
Princess Kate loves the moment when she can award winners at Wimbledon with a gilded gold trophy or Venus Rosewater Dish. Often presenting the famous silver gilt cup accented with a lid finished by a pineapple topper — Kate is always in high spirits when she strides across the court to do the special handout. Perhaps, this will be sufficient motivation for her to reign as Queen of the court again this year?
