It’s no secret that Kate Middleton is a devoted tennis fan, a passion passed down from her family. As patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, she’s often spotted in the Royal Box at Wimbledon.

But this year, questions are swirling over whether the Princess of Wales will make her usual appearance, especially after she unexpectedly pulled out of Royal Ascot on June 17 to prioritize her health.

Royal Ascot Absence Fuels Speculation

Originally expected to participate in the Royal Ascot carriage procession, Kate’s name was removed just hours before the event. According to a statement, the racecourse mistakenly listed her as an attendee.

A source told the Daily Beast that both Kate and Prince William have little personal interest in horse racing. The insider noted that if it had been something she truly loved — like Wimbledon — her attendance might have been more likely.

Her last-minute withdrawal has sparked public curiosity about whether she’ll show up for the 2025 Wimbledon tournament, a tradition she’s only missed once — during her first pregnancy.

Passing the Tennis Torch to Her Children

Kate’s love of tennis extends to her children. Prince George and Princess Charlotte have already joined their mother courtside, cheering on matches at Wimbledon. George made his debut in 2022, followed by Charlotte in 2023.

But fans are still waiting for the cheeky Prince Louis to take his place in the stands. Last year, disappointment echoed across social media when he was absent.

One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “George gets Euros final… Charlotte gets Wimbledon final… Justice for Prince Louis!”

Another joked, “Prince Louis at the moment: Waiting patiently for his turn to hang out with mum and dad.” A third user quipped, “Probably hanging out with Pippa’s kids while the mums are in Wimbledon.”

As the buzz grew, a fan affectionately added, “A joyful young man, waiting his turn.”

Hopes High for Kate’s Return to Centre Court

Royal expert Rebecca English shared that Kate is “very likely” to attend Wimbledon after skipping Royal Ascot. According to GB News, palace insiders suggest she is expected to make an appearance within the next two weeks — possibly to present the championship trophies for the men’s and women’s singles finals.

If she does attend, it would be a meaningful gesture to reaffirm her commitment to her patronage, even as she continues to keep her public schedule light during her recovery.

A Triumphant Return in 2024

It’s hard to imagine Wimbledon without Kate. At the 2024 men’s final, she received a standing ovation as she arrived at Centre Court’s Royal Box, accompanied by Princess Charlotte and her sister Pippa. The warm reception marked her second public appearance since undergoing cancer treatment and chemotherapy.

Given her deep connection to the sport and her role as patron, royal watchers are hopeful they’ll see Kate back at Wimbledon this year — and maybe, just maybe, with Prince Louis making his much-anticipated debut.