Award ceremony at Wimbledon - Will a duchess replace Princess Kate?
Traditionally, Princess Kate (42), as patron of the "All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club," presents the trophies to the winners of the Wimbledon tennis tournament. However, this year it might be different as Kate has withdrawn from public life due to cancer treatment. It has been rumored that another member of the royal family will step in instead.
Is Duchess Brigitte, the wife of a Queen cousin, taking over?
According to the "Telegraph," another member of the royal family is scheduled to present the trophies. Therefore, Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester (78), could present the awards at the finals on the weekend if Princess Kate is indeed not available.
The 78-year-old Duchess is married to a first cousin of the former Queen, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (79). And like Kate, Birgitte is an avid tennis fan. She has been the Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association for 25 years and supports the roofing body for tennis in the UK. This year, she has already visited Wimbledon twice.
Duchess Birgitte is a full-time working member of the royal family and recently made history with her appointment to the Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. She is the first non-blood relative within the Royal Family who is neither married to the Monarch nor to the Heir Apparent, yet was still appointed to this position.
Will Princess Kate attend this year?
The passionate tennis player Kate has been present at Wimbledon almost every year since her marriage to William in 2011, with the exception of the matches just before the birth of Prince George (10) in 2013. Kate received the patronage of the club from Queen Elizabeth II. in 2016.
"We hope that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as patron of the Club, but her health and recovery take priority," said the Chairman of the All England Club, Debbie Jevans, in a statement released on June 27. It was also mentioned that the decision on who would present the trophies might not be made until the morning of the final.
Princess Kate made her only public appearance of the year on June 15, as she attended the official birthday parade of King Charles (75), Trooping the Colour, in London with her family. She had announced her appearance the day before.
Princess Kate still attends despite feeling unwell
Wimbledon has long been a highlight in the summer calendar of the Princess of Wales, and in July 2023, she was there with her family for three days.
In this year, her parents, Carole (69) and Michael Middleton (75), attended Wimbledon on July 4. Kate also wrote a message for tennis star Andy Murray (37): "An incredible Wimbledon career comes to an end. You should be very proud of yourself @andymurray. On behalf of all of us, thank you," Kate wrote on the social media accounts she shares with Prince William. She signed the message "C" for Catherine - a shorthand that shows the message came directly from her.
Duchess Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester and wife of Prince Richard, could potentially step in to present the trophies at the Wimbledon tennis tournament's award ceremony if Princess Kate is unable to attend due to cancer treatment. This would be a significant role for Duchess Birgitte, given her avid interest in tennis and her long-standing involvement with the Lawn Tennis Association.
Despite her health challenges, Princess Kate has made public appearances at major events this year, including the Trooping the Colour parade in June. Her passion for tennis and her role as the patron of the "All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club" have seen her attend Wimbledon countless times since her marriage to Prince William in 2011.
The 78-year-old Duchess Birgitte, who is a full-time working member of the royal family and a non-blood relative within the Royal Family, would bring a wealth of experience and tennis knowledge to the award ceremony at Wimbledon. Like Princess Kate, she is an avid tennis fan and has held various position in the sport's governing bodies.
Princess Kate's absence from the Wimbledon award ceremony would be a significant one, given her long-standing relationship with the tournament. However, the royal family has a tradition of stepping in to fill such roles, and Duchess Birgitte would be a fitting replacement.
If Princess Kate is unable to attend, the decision on who will present the trophies at the Wimbledon finals might not be made until the morning of the final. This would add to the sense of anticipation surrounding the prestigious event.
The award ceremony at Wimbledon is an important occasion in the tennis calendar, and the presence of the royals adds an extra layer of glamour and prestige. Whether it's Princess Kate or Duchess Birgitte who presents the trophies, the tradition of the royal family playing a role in the tournament's proceedings will continue.
