Kate Middleton applauded on her return to Wimbledon

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, appeared this Saturday at the Wimbledon women's final to a long, standing ovation from the audience. The princess appeared surprised as the applause grew louder and louder as she took her seat next to the legendary American tennis player Billie Jean King.

The return was emotional for one reason: Kate Middleton, who is an ambassador for the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, had spoken just days ago about the difficulties she has faced in returning to her daily activities after battling cancer. She had already been to Wimbledon last year during her treatments for the disease, but this is her first appearance since going into remission.

Dressed in white, Middleton arrived, spoke with some players, and took her seat to watch the final between American tennis player Amanda Anisimova and Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek, who was crowned champion and will receive the trophy from Middleton.

Center Court rises to give a warm welcome to our Patron HRH The Princess of Wales ????????? #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/BG3Ar7XMWv

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 12, 2025

Middleton, 43, announced in March of last year that she would undergo chemotherapy treatments, and in January of this year, she announced that her cancer was in remission. In June, she had raised concerns by canceling her trip to the traditional Ascot horse race at the last minute . At the time, royal sources explained that the princess was "disappointed" to miss the event but would remain focused on finding the "right balance" in her recovery from the disease, with a "gradual" return to her professional duties.

This time, Middleton appeared, as is tradition, at Wimbledon, which thrilled the audience. As an ambassador for the English club, she is a regular presence at the tournament.

In early July, the princess visited Colchester Hospital in Essex, England, and spoke about the disease and the recovery process. "We put on a brave face, we're stoic during treatment. The treatment is done, and then we think, 'Now I can go back, get back to normal.' But actually, the [post-treatment] phase is very, very difficult."

"We have to find our new normal, and that takes time... it's a roller coaster, not as smooth as we hope it will be. But the reality is that we're going through difficult times," he explained at the time.