Kate Middleton’s ‘mortifying’ experience at Wimbledon after dad Michael’s two-word remark

The Princess of Wales is a regular attendee in the royal box at Wimbledon but one year her father left her speechless over an embarrassing two-word remark he made to one of the players.

Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (L) and her father Michael Middleton, sit in the Royal box on the thirteenth day of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 11, 2021.

Kate was left ‘mortified’ during an awkward encounter with her father Michael at Wimbledon after he incorrectly addressed one of the players
Kate Middleton is known to be a huge fan of tennis and is a regular Wimbledon attendee in the royal box.

However, she confessed that she had once been left absolutely “mortified” by a remark her dad Michael Middleton made while he attended the prestigious tournament.

It’s not been confirmed whether or not the Princess of Wales will be attending this year due to her ongoing cancer treatment but fans are likely to be able to spot members of her family at the sporting event including parents Carole and Michael and her sister Pippa.

The Middleton’s have made it clear they are big fans of Wimbledon on a number of occasions but Kate previously recalled an awkward experience with her father that left her mortified in the 2017 BBC documentary Our Wimbledon hosted by Sue Barker.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge plays tennis during a visit to the Lawn Tennis Association at the National Tennis Centre on October 31, 2017 in London, England.
The Princess of Wales is known to be a big fan of tennis
The future Queen explained how her dad had attempted to stay cool when they crossed paths with former British number one tennis player Tim Henman, the Mirror reports.

She said: “My father is not going to appreciate this, but we were walking past Tim Henman and we had just seen Pete Sampras play. My dad said very coolly: ‘Hi Pete’. I was mortified!”

The mum-of-three has been patron of All England Club since 2016 and traditionally presents trophies to the Wimbledon champions.

All England Club chair Debbie Jevans said she hasn’t ruled out Kate from appearing entirely as she confirmed that organisers are “staying flexible” over who will conduct the trophy presentation if the Princess is unable to attend.

Kate Middleton during day thirteen of The Championships Wimbledon 2023 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 15, 2023 in London, England.
Kate traditionally presents trophies to the Wimbledon champions.
Debbie 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.

“We don’t know what we don’t know. All we’ve said is that we’ll work with her and give her as much flexibility as possible.”

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She continued: “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.”

Kate’s love for tennis makes Wimbledon one of her favourite annual events to attend with her three children.

In 2023, the princess attended the Wimbledon final with her two eldest kids, Prince George and Princess Charlotte while little Prince Louis stayed at home.

She explained to officials at the time: “Louis was very upset he wasn’t coming today!”

Speaking previously about her love of the sport, the royal said: “I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up.

“It’s such a quintessential part of the English summer, and I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game. It hasn’t changed either, I think that’s what’s so wonderful.”