Hope remains for Princess Kate to hold court at Wimbledon as she undergoes treatment for cancer
The Princess of Wales could attend Wimbledon after officials said they were “hopeful” she would present trophies to the champions.
All England Club chairman Debbie Jevans said they would give Kate “as much flexibility as possible” as she continues treatment for cancer, including postponing finding a replacement.
The princess, 42, who is a keen player herself, has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club since 2016.
Traditionally she hands the trophies to the singles champions, and attends matches during the tournament.
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She is not undertaking official duties due to her chemotherapy treatment, after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
However she did attend Trooping the Colour two weeks ago and in a statement that she while she was not ready to return to work full-time, she hoped to join “a few public engagements over the summer”.
Kensington Palace have said they will not confirm anything until much nearer the time due to the uncertainty around her treatment.
Traditionally Princess Catherine hands the trophies to the singles champions. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA/Alamy
Speaking about this year’s world-famous championships, which begin on Monday, Telegraph Sport quoted Ms Jevans as saying: “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.
“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 championships begin on Monday with the men’s final on July 14.
Kensington Palace said that, as Kate herself admits, she has “good days and not so good days”