By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Saturday, July 13, 2024
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport
Wimbledon—The Wimbledon final marks a much celebrated royal return.
The Princess of Wales will attend the Wimbledon men's final rematch between reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz and seven-time champion Novak Djokovic, Kensington Palace announced.
After the men's final, the Princess, Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, will present the trophies to the men's champion and runner-up.
More: Alcaraz Advances to Second Wimbledon Final
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, announced earlier this year she is undergoing cancer treatment.
Since that announcement, the Princess has made limited public appearances so her presence on Centre Court is welcome news for the nation.
Prince William, the Princess of Wales' husband, is not scheduled to attend the men's final.
Princess Catherine, a devoted recreational tennis player and avid fan who has hit with friends Roger Federer and Mirka Federer in the past, has traditionally presented the trophies to the ladies' and men's singles champions.
The Princess of Wales did not present the Rosewater Dish to Wimbledon ladies' champion Barbora Krejcikova yesterday.
"At the request of Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, Patron of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, the trophies will be presented on court by Deborah Jevans CBE, Chair of The All England Lawn Tennis Club," Wimbledon said in a statement. "Deborah will be accompanied by: Sally Bolton OBE, Chief Executive of The All England Lawn Tennis Club Sandi Procter, President of the LTA."
Annabel Croft will conduct the on-court interviews following the ladies' final.
In a moving video announcement issued in March, the Princess of Wales shared her condition and chemotherapy treatment plan.
"In January, I underwent major abdominal surgery in London," Kate Middleton said in her announcement. "And at the time, it was thought my condition was non-cancerous. The surgery was successful, however tests after the operation found cancer had been present.
"My medical team therefore advised I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I'm not in the early stages of that treatment."
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport
The Princess of Wales showed her compassion consoling Tunisian trailblazer Ons Jabeur following her Wimbledon finals losses to Elena Rybakina in 2022 and to Czech left-hander Marketa Vondrousova last July.
James Keothavong will be the chair umpire for the men's singles final.