Kate Middleton accused of breaking major royal protocol during Wimbledon appearance
The Princess of Wales attended the Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final on Sunday (13 July), presenting Italy’s Jannik Sinner with the winner’s trophy and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz with the runner-up award. Dressed in blue, she was joined by Prince William and their two eldest children, Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, 10.
The appearance marked her second public outing at Wimbledon since revealing her cancer diagnosis in March 2023. Earlier in the tournament, she presented Poland’s Iga Świątek with the Women’s Singles trophy. Her return to the royal box was met with a standing ovation from the crowd.
However, some viewers criticized Kate for walking ahead of Prince William as they entered Centre Court, claiming it breached royal protocol. Critics on Reddit argued that Meghan Markle would have faced backlash for similar behavior. One user wrote, *“Kate walking in front of William, but that’s OK. Protocol was only important when Meghan didn’t follow it.”*
Others defended the Princess, noting that as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club—a role given to her by Queen Elizabeth II in 2016—she held a leading position at the event. One supporter explained, *“I think it’s because she is the patron here, and therefore at this event, he is supporting her.”*
Kate has been gradually returning to public duties after announcing in January that she was in remission. Earlier this month, she admitted at a hospital visit that recovery has been *“really, really difficult.”* She spoke about the challenges of post-treatment life, emphasizing the need for emotional support.
Despite the criticism, many fans were delighted to see her back at Wimbledon, supporting the players alongside her family. The event highlighted her ongoing recovery and commitment to her royal role.
The mixed reactions to her appearance reflect the intense scrutiny the royal family faces, with every gesture analyzed for perceived breaches of tradition. Yet, for most, Kate’s presence was a welcome sign of her resilience.
