The Wimbledon finals this weekend are fast approaching and with the Princess of Wales’s appearance still up in the air, the tournament organisers have a backup plan in hand.
It’s understood a decision will be made on the day as to whether Princess Kate will attend – and should the royal be unable to go, a plan B will be orchestrated, reports say.
Princess Kate, as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, has presented the Wimbledon trophies, a significant moment of the tennis championship, for the last eight years. But this year is different as she undergoes treatment for cancer.
The future Queen has been largely absent from royal engagements this year – she only attended Trooping the Colour in June – after she was diagnosed with a form of cancer in late February.
It is understood that Kate’s appearances will take place as and when she feels able to do so, in accordance with her medical team’s advice, thus, her attendance this weekend remains uncertain.
But now a backup plan has emerged which will see another beloved member of the Royal Family take her place in presenting the trophies.
According to the Telegraph, the Duchess of Gloucester has been earmarked as a likely candidate to replace Kate during this weekend.
The organisers have previously said that they would give the Princess of Wales “as much flexibility as possible” in determining whether she is able to fulfil her ceremonial duties, meaning a decision should not be expected to be made until the morning of the women’s final on Saturday.
Birgitte, who is married to Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, is also an avid tennis fan like Kate and has been Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association for 25 years.
The duchess was pictured earlier today attending day eight of the Wimbledon tournament while she also made an appearance there last week.
