PRINCESS Kate has delighted royal fans by confirming she will attend the Wimbledon Men’s Final tomorrow.
A royal expert has shared how the announcement is a “huge step forward” for the Princess of Wales and is “very positive news” amid her cancer treatment.
There had been hopes Kate, who is the patron of The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC), would attend the finals of the Wimbledon Championships this weekend.
Kensington Palace has confirmed Kate, 42, will be at the tennis tournament tomorrow for the men’s final, but will not be present for Saturday’s women’s final.
Speaking of the announcement, Royal Historian Hugh Vickers told The Sun: “I think it’s extremely good news because not only will Wimbledon have the most exciting match tomorrow in the men’s finals, with Djokovic playing Alcaraz, but also the presence of Catherine, Princess of Wales will just be the icing on the cake because everybody had been hoping so much that she would be well enough to attend.
“And we are told that she is still having treatment and so she has to take things day by day.
“She told us in the last message at the time of Trooping the Colour that she isn’t out of the woods yet.
“So each appearance is a step forward, and I can’t think of a better way of celebrating tomorrow than her being at Wimbledon.”
The royal expert added that both the crowd and viewers will be “absolutely thrilled” at seeing the Princess of Wales.
Kate was last seen in public at Trooping the Colour on June 15 – with Prince William proudly standing at her side.
Prior to Trooping the Colour, Kate had not been seen with the Royal Family since Christmas Day last year at Sandringham.
Hugh continued: “In every possible way, it’s a good sign.
“Catherine became president of the All England tennis club in 2016 – the Duke of Kent was always the person who was there before, and there’s been a sort of gradual handover – and she loves tennis.
“And so rather than having to watch it at home, it’s wonderful to think that she’ll be in the royal box because we’ve rather missed her this year.
“And I gather that she will also present the trophy. So this is all very positive news.”
Deborah Jevans, chair of the AELTC, will present the Ladies’ trophy today at the request of the princess to either Jasmine Paolini or Barbora Krejcikova.
Prince William is a pillar of strength for Kate Middleton
EXPERT analysis by author and royal expert, Ingrid Seward.
Steadfast when his family needed him, William has proved himself as a man and future monarch of strength and compassion.
While he might not have been present during Kate’s courageous video address — make no mistake, he has been by her side every step of the way.
William has stepped up with school-run duties and provided a “great source of comfort and reassurance” to his wife.
But he has also been a comforting and reassuring presence for the public.
From leading members of the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day Service to enjoying cheerful banter with youngsters on a youth centre visit, he hasn’t put a foot wrong.
Even then there were few chinks in his facade — but Kate was clearly on his mind.
“She needs to be sat here to hear this,” he smiled when the discussion turned to the challenges of young families.
But ultimately he is only human.
To have your father and your wife diagnosed with cancer in such quick succession is heart-shattering.
It’s a remarkable insight into the character of this young man that he has been so incredibly brave.
Theirs is a very private turmoil which has been brought into the public arena by the nature of their roles as future King and Queen.
William must feel the weight of enormous responsibility, both personally and for the monarchy, of which he is now the public face.
But he knows his most important role is that of dad and husband.
He will make that his priority.
This is a distinct difference from the ways of the past, where your royal role came before the role of spouse and parent.
Think back to when the Queen was young.
William’s priority is his family
It was a man’s world then — and she was forced to abandon her children in a way that William is determined not to.
William and Kate waited until the school term was over and their children were home before making their public announcement.
They needed to be prepared.
In this, they will have had the wholehearted support of Charles — who knows what it feels like to be brought up by nannies.
William was also acutely aware of the lack of his own father’s presence in his life, especially when things went wrong.
In 1991, he was accidentally hit over the head with a golf club when he was at school and Diana was having lunch in her favourite restaurant San Lorenzo.
The call came through that William had been bashed on the head and they thought he might die so it was very serious.
Both Charles and Diana rushed down to Ludgrove.
William was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and then to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diana went with him.
But ever a man of duty, Charles prioritised his engagements.
William is determined to do things differently.
Tennis bosses recently revealed they remained hopeful the Princess of Wales would head to Wimbledon this year.
AELTC chair Debbie previously said they were “staying flexible” over who will present trophies.
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.
Each appearance is a step forward, and I can’t think of a better way of celebrating tomorrow than her being at Wimbledon
Hugh Vickers
“We’re staying flexible. When we hear we’ll then think about what’s the right thing to do.”
KATE’S BIG APPEAL
Legendary former royal correspondent Charles Rae told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show there is a big reason why Wimbledon organisers would “love” to have her back.
Speaking to our Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, he said: “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.”
Another expert previously said Kate “would love” to go to Wimbledon this year if her health allows.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
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: Kate attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family
July 14: Kate attended the Wimbledon Men’s Final with Princess Charlotte
ROYAL’S HEALTH JOURNEY
Kate was taken into hospital for planned abdominal surgery in January and spent 13 nights at the London Clinic before continuing her recovery at home with her family.
In March, Kate bravely released a video revealing “tests after the operation found cancer had been present” and that she had started preventative cancer treatment.
The Princess said the diagnosis had come as a “huge shock” – but vowed: “I am well and getting stronger every day”.
Princess Kate gave an update on her health last month – just hours before Trooping the Colour.
KATE’S MESSAGE
She told how her treatment is “ongoing and will be for a few more months” as she revealed she is “not out of the woods yet”.
But she told how it is a “joy” for her to still engage with school life and spend time “on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home”.
She said: “I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months.
“It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.
“On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to
your body resting.
“But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”
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