Princess Catherine returned to Centre Court in moving fashion on Saturday, receiving a thunderous standing ovation as she made her way to her seat in the Royal Box for the Wimbledon women’s singles final — her first public appearance at the tournament since announcing her cancer remission.
The Princess of Wales, 43, was visibly touched by the crowd’s show of support.
Smiling warmly and waving to the packed stadium of 15,000 spectators, she offered a small gulp as the cheers echoed around the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The ovation marked a powerful moment of recognition for the royal, who is patron of the club and a longtime Wimbledon fixture.
“Centre Court rises to give a warm welcome to our Patron HRH The Princess of Wales,” Wimbledon’s official X account posted, accompanied by the club’s iconic purple and green hearts.
"That is pure love coming from that crowd. How joyful she looks, classy, classy lady," one YouTube user wrote.
Another added: "There is something magic about Princess Catherine! Her reaction to the loudest cheering was so genuine & grateful!"
"A wonderful woman, gracious, kind and humble. We love our Princess of Wales. I wish her all the best," a third commented.
“Take Deep Breaths, Okay?”
Earlier that day, Princess Catherine had an exchange with eight-year-old Lydia Lowe, who offered heartfelt advice before the Princess stepped out onto Centre Court.
Lydia — who overcame a brain injury and was at Wimbledon to perform the coin toss for the wheelchair final — told her: “Don’t be nervous. Take deep breaths.”
Princess Catherine smiled and replied, “Take deep breaths, okay, I’ll remember that. Thank you.”
Lydia was representing the Dan Maskell Trust, adding a layer of inspiration to the day’s events.
A Royal Return to the Royal Box
Dressed in a crisp white blazer and cream pleated skirt, adorned with the traditional purple and green Wimbledon bow, Princess Catherine made her way to her front-row seat in the Royal Box.
As she crossed the grounds, guided by All England Club chair Debbie Jevans, the Princess paused to greet ball kids, stewards, and dignitaries — including a moment with 12-year-old Sophie Kneen and wheelchair tennis champion Wang Ziying, fresh off her own victory.
In the Royal Box, Princess Catherine exchanged greetings with tennis royalty. She shared a warm handshake with Billie Jean King, who gave a respectful curtsy, and briefly greeted Martina Navratilova.
She sat among a VIP gathering that included filmmaker Greta Gerwig, Sir Mo Farrah, Stanley Tucci, and political leaders Kemi Badenoch and Lisa Nandy.
Cancer Remission and a Symbolic Appearance
Saturday’s appearance marked one of the Princess’s few public outings since announcing in March 2024 that she was undergoing cancer treatment.
In recent statements, she’s called the experience “really difficult” and is continuing to balance royal duties with her recovery.
Her presence at Wimbledon — a cornerstone of her royal calendar — held symbolic weight. Nearly six months after revealing she was in remission, the Princess’s calm demeanor and graciousness under the spotlight reinforced her resilience.
Wimbledon has long been a special place for Princess Catherine. In 2023, she attended the men’s final with her daughter Princess Charlotte, who beamed with pride as her mother received a standing ovation then, too. This year, the welcome was even more pronounced — an emotional acknowledgement from the public as she continues her personal journey back into the spotlight.
Despite sweltering temperatures nearing 31°C, Princess Catherine stayed composed throughout the match between American Amanda Anisimova and Poland’s Iga Swiatek. She was later seen handing the winner’s trophy to Swiatek after a commanding 6-0, 6-0 performance and offering consolation to a tearful Anisimova.
Traditionally, the Princess attends multiple matches during the tournament, often presenting trophies to champions at the close of play.
Hundreds gathered around the grounds hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal, who acknowledged fans with waves and smiles as she crossed the bridge into Centre Court. In an already historic tournament, Princess Catherine’s appearance became one of the day’s most talked-about moments — not for spectacle, but for sincerity.
She may have received a standing ovation — but her quiet, wholesome reaction was what truly stole the show.