ON THE BALL
Princess Kate WILL attend Wimbledon final as cancer treatment continues
It comes after the princess gave an update on her health - saying she's 'not out of the woods yet'
PRINCESS Kate will cheer on players at Wimbledon in another brave return to the public eye while undergoing cancer treatment.
The Princess of Wales, 42, will head along to the tennis tournament tomorrow for the men's final, Kensington Palace has confirmed.
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There had been hopes Kate, who is the patron of The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC), would attend the finals of the Wimbledon Championships this weekend.
Although she will not be present for Saturday's women's final, Kensington Palace today confirmed the Princess would attend tomorrow's match and present the trophy to either Novak Djokovic or Carlos Alcaraz.
Deborah Jevans, chair of the AELTC, will present the Ladies' trophy today at the request of the princess to either Jasmine Paolini or Barbora Krejcikova.
Kate was last seen in public at Trooping the Colour on June 15 - with Prince William proudly standing at her side.
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She joined King Charles on the Buckingham Palace balcony for his birthday celebrations in her first public appearance since Christmas.
Fans cheered as they caught a glimpse of Kate, who had taken a break from royal duties since she and Charles started undergoing cancer treatment.
They watched in awe as the Princess joked and laughed with Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Prince Louis.
Tennis bosses revealed they remained hopeful the Princess of Wales would head to Wimbledon this year.
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AELTC chair Debbie previously said they were "staying flexible" over who will present trophies.
Traditionally Kate does the honour, in her role as patron of the group.
Princess Kate set to be at Wimbledon final
Debbie 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.
“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."
Legendary former royal correspondent Charles Rae told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show there is a big reason why Wimbledon organisers would “love” to have her back.
Speaking to our Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, he said: “I think the people at Wimbledon would love to have Catherine back in again because it will boost the viewing audience and boost people being there.
“The problem with it is that when we first found out about her cancer, various people were putting dates on about when she was due to come back.
“She was going to be back in late April, she's going to be back for Trooping or back for whatever.
“We just don't know when she is going to be back.”
Kate's tennis love
Kate is known for being an avid tennis fan, and has rarely missed a tournament since her marriage to Prince William.
She did skip the championships in 2013 - and missed 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."
Another expert previously said Kate “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.”
Prior to Trooping the Colour, Kate had not been seen with the Royal Family since Christmas Day last year at Sandringham.
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.
Debbie Jevans
She was taken into hospital for planned abdominal surgery in January and spent 13 nights at the London Clinic before continuing her recovery at home with her family.
Days later, Kate bravely released a video revealing "tests after the operation found cancer had been present" and that she had started preventative cancer treatment.
The Princess said the diagnosis had come as a "huge shock" - but vowed: "I am well and getting stronger every day".
Princess Kate gave an update on her health last month - just hours before Trooping the Colour.
She revealed she would step back into the public eye for the Monarch's birthday celebrations.
Timeline of Kate's health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate's bedside
JAN 23: The princess' hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to 'personal matter', sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother's Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out 'kill notice' on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel's Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: "I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon"
June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King's Birthday Parade
Kate also told how her treatment is "ongoing and will be for a few more months" as she revealed she is "not out of the woods yet".
But she told how it is a "joy" for her to still engage with school life and spend time "on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home".
She said: "I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months.
"It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
"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: "I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
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"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.
"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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