Wimbledon have not made contingency plans for Kate's absence despite cancer battle
Kate presented the trophy to Carlos Alcaraz at the men's final in 2023
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Wimbledon chiefs have admitted they "don't know" who will present trophies at this year's tennis tournament as the Princess of Wales continues her treatment for cancer.
In a shock reveal this week - and with just days remaining until the championships get underway - All England Club chair Deborah Jevans said organisers would consider what to do "nearer the time if necessary" as Kate returns to public duties after months on the sidelines battling the illness.
Kensington Palace sources have reinforced the princess's comments that she has "good days and not so good days", with one adding: "Anything at this stage is speculative," in an attempt to quell speculation that Kate could make her comeback any sooner than expected.
In a message to the public ahead of her appearance at Trooping the Colour earlier this month, Princess Catherine had said: "As anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.
Kate presented the trophy to Carlos Alcaraz at the men's final in 2023
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Kate, seen here with her family at Wimbledon, has praised its traditionalism as "wonderful"
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"My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months… I hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet."
Jevans had 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.
"I don't know who would present the trophies as an alternative - that's something to consider nearer the time if necessary.
READ MORE ON KATE'S COMEBACK:
Deborah Jevans (left) expressed her hope that Kate could fulfil her duties as AELTC patron
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"We're staying flexible.
"When we hear we'll then think about what's the right thing to do."
The princess has been presenting trophies at Wimbledon since 2019, after she took over the role of All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) patron from the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2016.
And while sources have remained tight-lipped about who could present the sporting gong's in Kate's absence, the AELTC could opt for another member of the Royal Family - or even Jevans, being both the club's chair and a former tennis star herself.
Wimbledon was "very much part" of Kate's upbringing
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In 2017, Kate had told the BBC: "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."
Notably, there still hasn't been an official ruling-out of the Princess of Wales stepping out on Centre Court.
Discussing the latest on Princess Kate's return, GB News Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker said the Palaces have "ruled out Royal Ascot and Garter Day" - but haven't confirmed her absence from "any other engagements".