The boss of a major British sporting event is “hopeful” that Princess Kate will be well enough to present prizes at a championship final this summer after the royal made her first official appearance amid her cancer treatment at the Trooping the Colour celebrations this month.
Debbie Jevans, chair of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) which hosts the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London each year, said the organization was prepared to give Kate “as much flexibility as possible” if she was well enough to present the men’s and women’s singles final trophies this year.
Kate has been patron of the AELTC since 2016, a role she was given personally by Queen Elizabeth II. The princess has presented trophies at the Wimbledon championships over several years, often attending games across multiple days,sometimes with Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, Jevans gave fans hope that Kate hasn’t ruled out an appearance at this year’s event.
“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,” she said. “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.”
On who could be found to fill in for the Princess, Jevans said: “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.”
Jevans’ hopes come as Kate provided the first major update on her health this month, since announcing her cancer diagnosis and treatment back in March.
On June 14, the princess issued a personal statement, detailing her experience with chemotherapy treatment and her hopes that she would be well enough to attend some summer engagements after the Trooping the Colour celebrations.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days,” she said. “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.
“My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.
“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.”
This tentative hope to attend more events in the coming weeks does not signify Kate’s official return to public life as a working royal. And events she will attend are not expected to be announced long in advance to allow her to see how she feels closer to the time and in consultation with her doctors.
Wimbledon has long been a favorite summer fixture for the princess. In addition to attending in her capacity as a member of the royal family, Kate would watch the event with her father and sister in general admission before her marriage to Prince William.