Princess Kate’s surprising five-word statement explaining why she really gave up tennis

Wimbledon season has returned but Kate, Princess of Wales, has previously revealed why she had to ‘give up’ playing tennis.
Princess Kate playing tennis

Wimbledon season is in full swing for 2024, but Princess Kate has revealed why she had to ‘give up’ playing tennis herself, despite enjoying the sport and having previously played alongside tennis superstars.

The Princess of Wales previously told enthusiastic tennis fans at a training session that she was not able to get out onto the court due to a simple reason. Revealing in a five-worded statement she explained: “I’ve got lots of babies.”

As the patron of the All England Club where Wimbledon is hosted, Kate, 42, is a regular fixture at The Championships, both in the Royal box and presenting the winners’ trophies.

However, at a primary school back in 2018, Kate explained why she found less time to play. Visiting Bond Primary in Mitcham, South London to see a training session funded by the outreach programme, the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative, Kate opened up to pupils.

As reported in OK! Magazine, she said: “I love tennis, I think it’s a great sport, I was really sporty when I was little, less so now that I’ve got lots of babies!”

Princess Kate and Roger Federer

Kate has previously gone head to head with Roger Federer (Image: PA)

In 2023, Kate attended the Wimbledon final with her two oldest children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, while her youngest, Prince Louis stayed at home.

She explained to officials: “Louis was very upset he wasn’t coming today.” She added: “They’ve been eagerly watching. Charlotte, you’ve been getting to grips with the scoring.”

It is not known whether Princess Kate will make her usual appearance at Wimbledon, which runs from July 1-14, as she is currently receiving treatment for cancer and has taken time off from royal duties while she recovers.

Kate has been out of the public eye since undergoing major abdominal surgery in January and then beginning preventative chemotherapy following the cancer diagnosis.

Kensington Palace has not confirmed whether the Princess will be attending Wimbledon but Kate shared an update about her health in June, saying that she is “making good progress” but “there are good days and bad days”.

Kate at Wimbledon with her three children

Princess Kate at Wimbledon with Prince George and Princess Charlotte (Image: Getty)

Her statement came ahead of her appearance at Trooping the Colour, where she joined the carriage procession with her three children and appeared on the balcony to watch the flypast.

Kate’s love of tennis stems back to her childhood and she has only ever missed Wimbledon once – in 2013 when she was heavily pregnant with Prince George, as reported in Hello! Magazine.

The Princess’ parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her younger siblings, Pippa and James, are also huge tennis fans, and have all accompanied Kate in the royal box over the years.

Commenting on Kate’s potential appearance at Wimbledon 2024, All England Club chair Debbie Jevans told Telegraph Sport: “We’re hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as the Club’s patron, but her health and recovery is the priority.”

She added: “I don’t know who would present the trophies as an alternative – that’s something to consider nearer the time if necessary. We’re staying flexible. When we hear we’ll then think about what’s the right thing to do.”