Royal Family scrambling as Prince William ruled out as option to replace Princess Kate at major event
The Royal Family are scrambling to line up a potential replacement for the Princess of Wales if she cannot perform her role at Wimbledon this weekend.
Princess Kate normally presents the trophies to the men’s singles and women’s singles winners at the tournament as the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
However, the princess has only made one public appearance in 2024 at Trooping the Colour last month.
Kate was diagnosed with cancer this year and has stepped back from all royal duties as she focuses on her health
The Palace and Wimbledon have not confirmed whether Kate will attend Wimbledon this weekend but a decision is expected on Saturday morning.
Prince William will not be able to step in for his wife as another engagement has been planned for the royal on the same weekend.
The Prince of Wales will fly to Germany to support England in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday, the same day as the men’s singles final at Wimbledon.
Gareth Southgate’s team will take on Spain as they bid to become the first England squad to win the Euros.
William is the President of the Football Association and has already attended two of the team’s matches in Germany this summer.
If Kate or William cannot present the trophies at Wimbledon then another member of the Royal Family may step in to perform the role.
All England Club chair Debbie Jevans told the Telegraph that the Princess of Wales will be given “as much flexibility as possible” regarding her possible attendance.
The Princess of Wales has been patron of the All England Club since 2016 and has watched many matches from the Royal Box at Wimbledon.
Last year, Kate admitted that the decision to not bring Prince Louis to Wimbledon left the young royal “very upset”.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were joined at Wimbledon by Prince George and Princess Charlotte for the compelling men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
The Princess of Wales said regarding her children attending Wimbledon “It’s Charlotte’s first time, George came last year. They’ve been eagerly watching.”
In 2023, Princess Kate also awarded the Wimbledon trophy to Markéta Vondrousova after she defeated Ons Jabeur in straight sets to win her first Wimbledon title.
