PRINCESS Kate has stepped back from royal duties in January and is focusing on her health following her cancer diagnosis.
But with Wimbledon in full swing, royal fans have been wondering if she will make an appearance at the championship.
Although she made a triumphant appearance at Trooping the Colour in June, the Princess of Wales admitted she is “not out of the woods yet.”
Former royal butler Paul Burrell shared how Kate “knows the world will want to see her”, but “fiercely protective” Prince William “will decide whether she’s fit enough” to attend Wimbledon.
Paul told Closer that it is “highly likely” that Kate, who is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, will attend Wimbledon as she is a “huge tennis fan.”
However, he claims the decision will ultimately be down to Prince William.
Paul explained: “William controls this household and William will decide whether she’s well enough to do this because he’s the one that protects the family – fiercely.
“There’s no way he’s going to subject Kate to intrusion that she can’t handle. He’s so fiercely protective.”
He added that this “absolutely” stems from losing his mother when he was 15 years old.
Paul continued: “With William by her side, Kate’s safe because he will take care of her and would never let anyone harm her.
“I think she trusts William implicitly and he has the final say.”
All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) chair Debbie Jevans confirmed that they are “staying flexible” over who will present trophies to the Wimbledon champions this year.
Traditionally Kate does the honour, in her role as patron of the group.
Debbie told Telegraph Sport: “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.”
According to a royal expert, the Princess of Wales, 42, “would love” to go to Wimbledon this year if her health allows.
Emily Andrews told Grazia magazine: “Her treatment is ongoing, and will be for the next few months, but I understand she would like to visit the Wimbledon tennis tournament — she is a patron — if she feels up to it.”
The royal expert added that Kate is experiencing “good and bad days” as she continues with her cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales is known for being an avid tennis fan, and has rarely missed a tournament since her marriage to Prince William.
She did miss the championships in 2013 – and Andy Murray‘s first Wimbledon victory – but this was due to her being heavily pregnant with Prince George at the time.
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King’s Birthday Parade
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.”
There’s no way he’s [William’s] going to subject Kate to intrusion that she can’t handle. He’s so fiercely protective
Paul Burrell
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.
In a personally written statement released on June 14, Princess Kate said she was making “good progress’, 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”.
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.
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