Kate Middleton ‘knows the world wants to see her’ but protective’ Prince William ‘will decide’ if she attends Wimbledon

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.

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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 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.

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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. 

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“I think she trusts William implicitly and he has the final say.”

OFFICIAL UPDATE

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 : "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."

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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.

HUGE TENNIS FAN

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.

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 Burrellformer royal butler

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.

KATE'S HEALTH UPDATE

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.”

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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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