Prince William facing potential diary clash with Princess Kate's upcoming engagement

Prince William has been looking after Kate as she recovers from surgery
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Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 03/07/2024

- 08:33

The Prince of Wales is the President of the Football Association

Prince William is facing a potential diary clash with Princess Kate's upcoming engagement, it has been claimed.

The Princess of Wales is a beloved fixture at Wimbledon, the yearly tennis tournament in London.


As the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, Kate is responsible for awarding the trophies at the Ladies and Gentlemen's finals.

However, her attendance at this year's championships will depend on doctor's orders, as the princess is undergoing chemotherapy.

Prince William and Princess Kate

William facing potential diary clash with Kate's upcoming engagement

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In March, Kate announced a form of cancer had been found after having a stomach operation two months before.

She made a brief return to public life at Trooping the Colour in June, however, Kensington Palace was keen to stress this did not indicate a return to performing royal duties.

According to reports in The Mail, if Kate does not attend the Wimbledon finals, her husband Prince William is due to step in for the Princess of Wales.

However, due to a diary clash, the Prince of Wales may be unable to hand out the trophies at the SW19 competition.

Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham

The England team could be in action in the Euro Championships final on Wimbledon's last weekend

PA

His diary is in the hands of Gareth Southgate, whose England team could be in action in the Euro Championships final on Wimbledon's last weekend.

Prince William, 42, is the President of the Football Association, and almost always attends the important matches at the Euro Championships and the World Cup.

If England plays in the final, then William and possibly Prince George, 10, will be pencilled in to attend.

The father and son duo are big fans of Aston Villa, and are frequently photographed attending football matches to support the team.

\u200bCarlos Alcaraz and Kate Middleton

Carlos Alcaraz presented with the Gentlemen's Singles Trophy by the Princess of Wales in 2023

PA

Prince William

Prince William is set to step in for Kate if the princess cannot attend Wimbledon

PA

If the Prince of Wales cannot attend Wimbledon, the Duchess of Gloucester will likely be the Royal Family's next pick to award the trophies.

As the former President of the Lawn Tennis Association, Birgitte would be most suitable to perform the traditional role.

The 78-year-old is married to Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

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