BALL IS IN HER COURT: Key change Wimbledon organisers could make amid Kate Middleton’s recovery as they issue statement

WIMBLEDON starts today and many royal fans will be wondering whether Princess Kate will be in attendance this year. The Princess of Wales is a huge tennis fan but has understandably taken a step back from public duties as she undergoes her cancer treatment. The All England Club chair Debbie Jevans has confirmed that they are “staying flexible” over who will present trophies to the Wimbledon champions this year.

Traditionally Princess Kate does the honor, in her role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC). Debbie told Telegraph Sport: “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.

“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.” She added: “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.”

According to a royal expert, the Princess of Wales, 42, “would love” to go to Wimbledon this year if her health allows. Emily Andrews told Grazia magazine: “Her treatment is ongoing, and will be for the next few months, but I understand she would like to visit the Wimbledon tennis tournament — she is a patron — if she feels up to it.”

The royal expert added that Kate is experiencing “good and bad days” as she continues with her cancer treatment. Kate is known for being an avid tennis fan, and has rarely missed a tournament since her marriage to Prince William. She did skip the championships in 2013 – and missed Andy Murray’s first Wimbledon victory – but this was due to her being heavily pregnant with Prince George at the time.

Princess Kate used to take tennis lessons at the elite Hurlingham Club in Fulham, and even set up training sessions for Prince George with tennis legend Roger Federer.

During an appearance on BBC documentary, Sue Barker: Our Wimbledon, in 2017, Kate said: “I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up. It’s such a quintessential part of the English summer, and I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game. It hasn’t changed either, I think that’s what’s so wonderful.”

Wimbledon takes place over 14 days and this year is on from Monday July 1 – Sunday July 14, with the Ladies’ Singles Final scheduled for the final Saturday and the Mens’ Singles Final on the last day.