The Princess of Wales greeted tennis fans queuing for hours to secure tickets on the fourth day of the Wimbledon Championships. Kate, wearing a blue linen suit, spoke to hopeful attendees who had waited outside the All England Lawn Tennis Club since as early as 4am.
Engaging with Fans and Stewards
Kate, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, joined stewards to help take payment and hand out tickets. She told two fans to “have a great time” as she handed them a ticket on Thursday morning. In the queue, she smiled, laughed, and took pictures with visitors. Speaking to two excited children, she asked if they were big tennis fans, to which they nodded. One attendee congratulated her on her recent Three Peaks challenge. Kate also spoke to honorary stewards who volunteer annually to manage the queue.
Reception and Matches
Onlookers stopped to take pictures as Kate entered the grounds. She was welcomed by applause and cheers as she walked past Henman Hill, waving at spectators. She then entered Court 18 to watch Briton Arthur Fery play his second-round match against Finnish Otto Virtanen. Kate sat alongside AELTC chairwoman Deborah Jevans and former professional player Tim Henman.
Meeting with Shine Camera Club
Kate also met children from the local Shine Camera Club, which supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop confidence, creativity, and self-expression through photography. The children showed Kate Polaroid pictures taken around Wimbledon grounds. Speaking to one child, she praised a photo of a tree, calling it “abstract” and saying: “I love that.” Discussing the importance of photography and arts, she told the group: “Creativity is such a good way of exploring your emotions.”
Background and Health
Kate, diagnosed with cancer in 2024, made her second public appearance post-diagnosis at Wimbledon that year, greeted with cheers alongside Princess Charlotte. In early 2025, she confirmed she was free from the disease. As patron, she regularly attends Wimbledon; last year she presented the men's trophy to Jannik Sinner after watching the final with the Prince of Wales.
