Will she replace Princess Kate?
Princess Kate, who traditionally presents the trophies to the winners at the Wimbledon tennis tournament as patron of the "All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club," may not be able to do so this year due to her cancer treatment.
The Wimbledon championships are approaching with great strides, and the final decisions in the Women's and Men's Singles are not to be made lightly at the weekend. Traditionally, Princess Kate, as patron of the "All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club," presents the trophies to the winners after the finals. However, this year, things may be different, as Kate has withdrawn from public life due to her cancer treatment.
There is a hot rumor about who could represent the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess William's wife, in the trophy presentation. According to the "Telegraph," another member of the royal family has been designated for the task: Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester.
The 78-year-old is married to a first cousin of the former Queen, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Like Kate, she is an avid tennis fan. She has been the Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association for 25 years and supports the umbrella organization for tennis in Britain. She has already visited Wimbledon twice this year.
Decision possibly only on Final Day
Duchess Birgitte is a full-time working member of the royal family. She recently made history with her appointment as a Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. She is the first non-blood relative within the Royal Family, neither married to the Monarch nor the Heir Apparent, yet appointed to this position.
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 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 Debbie Jevans, the Chair of the All England Club, in a statement released at the end of June. It was further hinted that the decision on who would present the trophies might not be made until the morning of the Final.
Princess Kate made her first and only public appearance of the year on June 15, as she participated in the official birthday parade for King Charles, Trooping the Colour, in London with her family. The Princess of Wales had announced her attendance the day before.
Despite Princess Kate's cancer treatment preventing her from presenting the trophies at this year's Wimbledon, her love for tennis remains undiminished. As a patron of the "All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club," she has historically enjoyed watching Entertainment like the thrilling tennis matches and interacting with the British Royal Family, including her fellow tennis enthusiast, the Duchess of Gloucester.
The Duchess of Gloucester, with her extensive background in tennis, has been appointed to represent Princess Kate during the trophy presentation, given her absence due to health concerns. With her commitment to the sport and recent appointment as a Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, her presence at Wimbledon is highly anticipated.
In light of the ongoing women's and men's singles competitions at Wimbledon, the excitement is palpable. Tennis fans, including the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Gloucester, eagerly await the final day to witness the crowning of the champions.
