Here’s why Kate’s appearance at Wimbledon will bring a huge boost to the country, says royal expert

WIMBLEDON is back and the question on everyone’s lips is will Princess Kate be in attendance this year.

Legendary former royal correspondent Charles Rae claimed on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show that there is a big reason why Wimbledon organisers would “love” to have her back.

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Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, he claimed: “I think the people at Wimbledon would love to have Catherine back in again because it will boost the viewing audience and boost people being there. 

“The problem with it is that when we first found out about her cancer, various people were putting dates on about when she was due to come back. 

“She was going to be back in late April, she’s going to be back for Trooping or back for whatever.

“We just don’t know when she is going to be back.”

It hasn’t been confirmed if Princess Kate – who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – will attend the two-week sporting event.

Traditionally, avid tennis fan Princess of Wales will watch a number of matches in the Royal Box and later present champions with their trophies at the end of the tournament. 

The royal mum-of-three is currently taking a step back from royal duties as she undergoes cancer treatment.

Charles added: “It would be nice to think that she could at least make one or two days at Wimbledon, but if she doesn’t, well then we’ll just have to be patient because I’m hopeful she’ll be back one day.”

The All England Club chair Debbie Jevans has confirmed that they are “staying flexible” over who will present trophies to the Wimbledon champions this year.

Debbie told : “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.”

She added: “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.”

AVID TENNIS FAN

Kate has rarely missed attending Wimbledon since marrying Prince William.

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She did skip the championships in 2013 – and missed Andy Murray‘s first Wimbledon victory – but this was due to her being heavily pregnant with Prince George at the time.

Princess Kate used to take tennis lessons at the elite Hurlingham Club in Fulham, and even set up training sessions for Prince George with tennis legend Roger Federer.

During an appearance on BBC documentary, Sue Barker: Our Wimbledon, in 2017, Kate said: “I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up. It’s such a quintessential part of the English summer, and I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game. 

“It hasn’t changed either, I think that’s what’s so wonderful.”

Wimbledon takes place over 14 days and this year is on from Monday July 1 – Sunday July 14, with the Ladies’ Singles Final scheduled for the final Saturday and the Mens’ Singles Final on the last day.

Last year, the Prince and Princess of Wales brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte along for the Mens’ Final.

The royal kids were pictured cheering for 20-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz after he beat seven-time champ Novak Djokovic.

KATE’S HEALTH BATTLE

In a personally written statement released on June 14, Princess Kate said she was making “good progress” with her health, explaining that there are “good days and bad days”.

She wrote her treatment will be “ongoing and will be for a few more months” and that she is “not out of the woods yet”.

I think the people at Wimbledon would love to have Catherine back in again because it will boost the viewing audience and boost people being there 

Charles RaeFormer royal correspondent

Kate added: “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.”

She also thanked the public, saying: “Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”

The Princess of Wales announced on March 22, 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and revealed she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment after post-operation tests came back positive.

She underwent major abdominal surgery in London in January which was thought to be non-cancerous at the time.

RECENT PUBLIC APPEARANCE

While she hasn’t undertaken royal duties since Christmas, Princess Kate did appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony at Trooping the Colour alongside the King, Queen, Prince William and her children on June 15.

Last year, King Charles was front and centre as he watched the display next to his son, and heir to the throne, Prince William.

However, the line-up was swapped this year so the monarch could stand next to his beloved daughter-in-law, Kate.

Both King Charles and Princess Kate are undergoing treatment for cancer, and heartwarming images showed them standing shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the crowds.

The royal pair appeared united as they beamed and watched fans gathered down The Mall.