Princess Charlotte's Wimbledon Debut: A Day of Smiles and Support
Princess Charlotte, the 9-year-old daughter of the Princess of Wales, made her second appearance at Wimbledon, joining her mother and aunt Pippa Middleton for the men's singles final.
The Princess of Wales, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, made a rare public outing for the event. Despite her ongoing health challenges, Kate Middleton radiated warmth and energy as she greeted those associated with the tournament. As she and Charlotte took their seats in the Royal Box, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation, showering Kate with applause.
Photographer Karwai Tang captured the heartfelt moment, noting how moved Kate seemed by the gesture. "When [Kate] usually comes in, she walks down the steps and into her seat. She doesnât normally stand and wave," he shared with PEOPLE. "But she stood for a while and took it all in. For her to acknowledge it and take in the applause was special."
The event marked a visible return to public life for Kate, who had largely stayed out of the public eye since revealing her diagnosis. Tang observed that Kate seemed "no different from the last Wimbledon," reinforcing the impression that she is in good spirits.
Princess Charlotte was a picture of enthusiasm throughout the day, sharing lighthearted moments with her mother and aunt. Tang described one instance where Charlotte skipped down the stairs, giggling as she shared a humorous anecdote with Kate, resulting in shared laughter between the two.
The Princess of Wales' presence at Wimbledon, alongside her daughter, reflected the family's commitment to supporting the event. Their outings, coupled with Prince William's commitment to English soccer, showcase the family's engagement with diverse sporting events.
Kate's dedication to Wimbledon is not new, having attended the tournament annually since her marriage to Prince William, even becoming its patron in 2019. This year, while Prince William travelled to Germany for the Euro 2024 Championship, Kate's appearance at Wimbledon provided a reassuring glimpse into her continued strength and resilience.
The Wimbledon outing also highlighted the growing presence of the younger generation of royals in public life. Princess Charlotte, along with Prince George, are increasingly accompanying their parents to various events, showcasing their emerging roles within the royal family.
