The Royal Family have been stretched thin in recent months due to illness, but the mother of Kate Middleton made sure there was a royal link at Wimbledon on Saturday.
Carole Middleton stepped in for her daughter, the Princess of Wales, on Centre Court as she took in some of the best action of the week at SW19.
Kate‘s mom, 69, attended the British tennis Grand Slam with her husband Michael in tow and Prince William’s mother-in-law appeared to enjoy a rare opportunity to represent the royals.
Seated in the Royal Box, Carole wore a colorful Cefinn midi dress, complemented by a chic white blazer from ME+EM and brown suede heels.
Her stylish appearance was noted, though Kate’s absence was felt by royal fans as she remains a fiercely popular figure with the UK public.
Kate, 42, has been undergoing treatment for cancer since March, which has led her to step back from many public duties.
She made her first appearance of the year at the Trooping the Colour ceremony, but has since limited her public engagements due to the seriousness of her condition.
In an Instagram statement, Kate mentioned she hopes to participate in some summer events but emphasized her ongoing health challenges.
“[I] hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” Kate wrote.
Will Kate Middleton return to Wimbledon in 2024?
Despite the possibility that Kate might not attend Wimbledon this year, there remains hope that she could present the tournament’s trophies, a role she traditionally holds as their patron.
Debbie Jeans, chair of the England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, underlined the importance of Kate’s health and recovery, noting that they would provide her with as much flexibility as needed.
“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,” Jeans said.
Traditionally, Kate has been an enthusiastic supporter of Wimbledon, often attending in stylish outfits and presenting the winners’ trophies. Her absence this year only reflects her difficult health battle, but her family’s support, it may not be too long before she returns to the public sphere.