Get your free Morning Headlines email for news from journalists around the world
Sign up for the free Headline Morning email
Kate Middleton was all smiles at Wimbledon in her second public appearance since announcing her cancer diagnosis in March.
The princess, who is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, presented the trophy to the winner of the men’s final Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday.
Before presenting the trophy to Alcaraz, Kate cheered and shook hands with runner-up Novak Djokovic.
He arrived at the tennis tournament in SW19 less than an hour before the final was due to start with his daughter, Princess Charlotte and sister Pippa Middleton.
Kate said she was “filling the leaderboard” with Charlotte during Wimbledon, adding: “As a family, we play a lot.”
After being asked to try wheelchair tennis by Lucy Shuker, Kate said: “I’ve tried wheelchair rugby before, but not tennis. You’ll have to hold me to it.
Shuker, Britain’s top-ranked women’s wheelchair tennis player, told PA news agency: “He just said it was amazing to watch and follow everyone’s career.
“Alfie Hewett won the men’s wheelchair tennis before. I just asked if they played tennis themselves, which they did, and then he said: ‘Have you tried wheelchair tennis?’
“And I got a pinky promise from Princess Charlotte that she would try.”
Shuker added, “For me, it’s really exciting to be here and to be asked to meet my daughter today.”
Kate and Charlotte were greeted with cheers and applause as they sat in the front row of the royal box in Center Court.
For updates on the Royal Family follow our live blog
The Princess of Wales wore a bright violet cover-up midi dress by Safiyaa with muted Camilla Elphick sling-back pumps and an LK Bennett leather box bag with matching gold accessories.
Kate, who has been undergoing chemotherapy, made her first public appearance since announcing her diagnosis in March at the Trooping the Color ceremony in London last month.
Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales, president of the Football Association, was with Prince George at England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Some spectators at Wimbledon could be seen wearing white English football shirts at the championships on Sunday morning.
Actors Tom Cruise, Zendaya and Hugh Jackman were among the celebrities in attendance on Wimbledon Center Court on Saturday as Czech player Krejcikova took on Italian Jasmine Paolini to claim a 6-2 2-6 6-4 victory in the women’s singles championship.
Kate did not attend the women’s final and Wimbledon chairman Debbie Jevans presented Krejcikova with the trophy on her behalf.
Earlier in the tournament, the princess paid tribute to double champion Sir Andy Murray saying he should be “very proud” after he missed out on the final match at Wimbledon.
In a personally signed message on social media, Kate wrote: “An incredible #Wimbledon career is coming to an end. You should be so proud @andy_murray. On behalf of us all, thank you! C.”
Sir Andy was due to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu but the former US Open champion withdrew from the match, due to stiffness in her right wrist.
The princess visited the championships several times last year and gave Alcaraz his first Wimbledon trophy after watching him battle Novak Djokovic in the men’s singles final.
On Friday, Kate missed a charity polo match while William took to the field to raise funds for a good cause at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park.
In a statement released last month, the princess said she was making good progress but was “not out of the woods yet” and had “good days and bad days” as she continued her treatment.
Additional report by PA
