Kate Middleton’s Wimbledon rule break that saw her kiss Novak Djokovic rival

Kate Middleton will make a return to Wimbledon’s Centre Court this weekend to watch the Mens’ Singles Final in a rare pubic outing since her cancer diagnosis

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, has been confirmed to be making an appearance at Wimbledon this Sunday to present the trophies during the Mens’ Singles Final.

It will be a rare public outing for Kate who has taken a step back from her royal duties following her cancer diagnosis. In a video message released earlier this year, Kate said she was undergoing treatment and last month said she was ‘making good progress’.

As part of her role of Royal Patron of the All England Club, Kate – who is an avid tennis fan – has been a regular face throughout the July tournament in previous years and is on hand to present the Finals trophies. Kate has been joined by the likes of Prince William, eldest son Prince George and sister-in-law Meghan Markle at her seat in Centre Court’s Royal Box.

And as well as congratulating the champions, Kate has also comforted those who lost out to the big win on the final day of the annual event. In 2019, the Duchess consoled a heartbroken Roger Federer after he was defeated by Djokovic in the men’s singles final.

But in a break of royal protocol, Kate touchingly put her arm around the tennis star, and was heard telling him that he was “incredible”. Historically, members of the Royal Family have been reserved when interacting in public.

But Kate is not afraid to show her excitement at the games, often photographed beaming, laughing and even grimacing to the game playing out in front of her. The Duchess’ cosy encounter with Federer could be explained by her pre-existing ties to the tennis champ.

Kate put her arm around Roger Federer.

Back in 2017, Kate cheered on Federer to win his record eighth men’s Wimbledon title against Croatian Marin Cilic. Kate and William later congratulated the champion, and the Princess shocked royal fans by giving Federer not one, not two, but three kisses after he made tennis history.

Details of Kate’s friendship with the tennis player emerged following their exchange, with reports revealing that the tennis superstar gave Prince George a private tennis lesson at Carole and Michael Middleton’s home in Bucklebury. Following the lesson, Federer described the heir to the throne as a “sweet boy” and commended his skills in the sport.

He told reporters at Wimbledon 2019: “I love to see that they’re [royal children] into tennis or into sports,” adding that the eight-year-old prince had a “good swing”. Federer continued: “His mum has always enjoyed tennis. I hope he’ll stay the same in a few years’ time and this is not just an in-the-moment situation.”

When asked about a comment made by Kate during a royal engagement that he was George’s favourite tennis player, Federer said: “I think I have a little advantage that I actually spent some time with him, so maybe I’m the only player he’s ever met. Then you have a little head start into who is your favourite player.”

And Federer is not the only tennis legend who Kate and William have gone to for advice about teaching their children tennis.

Kate and William at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

During 2018’s tournament, the Duchess reportedly asked Djokovic for some tennis tips. Kate and William spoke to the Serbian after his victory over South African Kevin Anderson.

Djokovic asked Kate: “How are your children?”, to which Kate replied: “Yeah, very well”. William then said: “Very well thanks, very well… Trying to get a tennis racket in their hand and a football!”

A source close to the couple previously said they asked Djokovic how George can improve at tennis. The source said: “She [the Duchess] says with George just being four he wants to whack a ball, so she was asking what sort of stuff she should be doing.”

“They will struggle at that age to hit a ball. She said he’s interested in it, but more in whacking the ball.”

Kate has been spotted playing tennis with her three children at the exclusive Hurlingham Club in London. It is understood that seven-year-old Princess Charlotte also shares her mother’s passion for the sport.