Princess of Wales expected to attend tournament after missing last year’s women’s final
Catherine, Princess of Wales, is poised to return to Wimbledon this Wednesday in what will be her first appearance at the tournament since missing the women’s singles final last year. A long-standing supporter of the event, Catherine has become a highlight of the summer season, captivating fans with her signature style and heartfelt tributes.
Since marrying Prince William in 2011, the Princess has graced the stands with grace and elegance, often choosing outfits that are both striking and subtly symbolic. This year’s return is expected to follow suit.
While her fashion always draws attention, there’s one accessory Catherine never skips—a small ribbon in deep green and purple, pinned just below her shoulder. The bow is a quiet gesture of respect to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, whose colours have remained unchanged since 1909. As the club’s patron since 2016, the Princess’s choice honours her connection to the venue in a way that’s both understated and meaningful.
She first wore the bow in 2017, pairing it with a white floral Catherine Walker dress—one of her most memorable Wimbledon looks. Since then, it has become her courtside signature, worn with a variety of ensembles across the years.
The 43-year-old mother of three is known for including sentimental details in her public appearances. Earlier this year, she brought back a special hat for the Commonwealth Day service, further highlighting her thoughtful approach to royal dressing.
Although she missed the women’s singles final in 2023, Catherine did attend the men’s final alongside her daughter. Her upcoming appearance is likely to delight royal watchers and tennis fans alike.
Beyond royal attendance, Wimbledon continues its legacy of tradition. Over 50,000 tennis balls are used each year, replaced every seven games and refrigerated to maintain performance. Strawberries remain a beloved feature, sourced exclusively from Hugh Lowe Farm in Kent. Last year, the farm supplied approximately 1.5 million berries over the course of the two-week tournament.
This year’s singles champions will receive £2.2 million each, with prize money distributed across all rounds—from £1,500 for first-round mixed doubles winners to £1.1 million for the singles runners-up.
As the tournament gets underway, Catherine’s return is set to blend royal elegance, personal sentiment, and a celebration of one of Britain’s most treasured sporting traditions.
