Princess Kate Middleton stepped back into the spotlight at Wimbledon this year. Her appearance marked another careful step in her return to public duties. Fans were happy to see her.
Kate, who is 43, attended the famous tennis championships on Saturday, July 12. She looked sharp in a white blazer and a matching skirt. Her hair flowed in gentle waves as she greeted past winners. Being the patron of the All England Club, Kate often hands out trophies. She is a familiar face at Wimbledon year after year.
Her presence at the event was highly anticipated. Just weeks before, on June 18, Kate had skipped Royal Ascot 2025. This decision made headlines. Royal editor Rebecca English from Daily Mail had suggested Wimbledon was "very likely" for Kate, even after Ascot.
At Royal Ascot, royal family members join a carriage procession. Prince William went alone this time. He rode with King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud.
A Thoughtful Return to Public Life
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, spoke to Hello! about Kate’s absence. Seward explained that Kate is returning to her royal work wisely. She is doing it on her own terms. "Her priorities have changed," Seward said. "She is listening to her body." The princess is not trying to please everyone right now. "She has to be very strict with herself and say, ‘No, I can’t do this.’"
Seward pointed out that Royal Ascot is tougher than it seems. It starts early and involves a lot of preparation. There’s a long carriage ride, often in the heat. Plus, there is intense public attention. "She probably just didn’t feel up to it," Seward shared. "I am sure she was disappointed. She really wanted to be there with William."
The editor added that Kate loves horse racing, and so does her mother. "But this was a social event, for fun and pleasure," Seward noted. "It was not an official or charity engagement." So, missing it was a smart choice, even if it was a hard one for her.
Earlier in the week, Kate did attend a state dinner. This event honored French President Emmanuel Macron. However, she missed Prince William’s charity polo match on Friday, July 11.
Kate paused her royal duties in 2024. This was after she was diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer. She had appeared at Wimbledon that July with Princess Charlotte, who was then 10. Two months later, Kate confirmed her chemotherapy treatment was done. In January, she announced her cancer was in remission. Her return is a measured and personal journey.