If there’s one thing royals love, it’s the tennis. The royal family is regularly seen in the royal box at Wimbledon, cheering alongside all the other fans.
But this year the legendary competition may look different, with Catherine, Princess of Wales opting out of most events due to her cancer recovery.
In the past few years, the 42-year-old, who is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, has taken the reigns of presenting the trophies to singles winners at the tournament in what has become a highlight of the event.
Her appearance at this year’s event, starting tomorrow, is dependent on her health, with the royal still taking time off public duties to recover after preventative cancer treatment.
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But Wimbledon’s organisers are still holding out hope that that royal can manage to bestow the honour.
All England Club chair Debbie Jevans shared that the organisation would provide flexibility to the royal, postponing finding a replacement.
Jevans 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.
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“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.”
If the Princess of Wales is unable to present the honours, then the club is likely to ask another royal or even have Jevans herself present the trophies as chair of the club and as a former player at Wimbledon.
Though Catherine continues to stay out of the public eye during her recovery, she did make a surprise appearance at Trooping the Colour this year.
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The royal made an appearance alongside her family to celebrate the King’s birthday, her first official sighting in seven months.
Ahead the appearance, she shared a message with the public updating them on her health.
“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.
She added that she “hope(s) to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.”
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