Princess Charlotte makes 'pinky promise' with Lucy Shuker as she joins Princess of Wales for Wimbledon final

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Princess Charlotte hit it off with tennis player Lucy Shuker today as the royal was seen making a 'pinky promise' with the athlete ahead of the Wimbledon final. 

The royal, nine, joined the Princess of Wales, 42, at the prestigious sporting event to watch Carlos Alcaraz take on Novak Djokovic in the Grand Slam at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London.

Before the mother-daughter duo took their seats in the Royal Box, they met with female tennis stars, who all presented Kate with a bouquet of flowers.

Charlotte was pictured engaged in playful conversation with Paralympic medallist, Lucy Shuker, 44.

Following their animated conversation, the daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales linked little fingers - known as a 'pinky promise' - with the tennis player.

Princess Charlotte made a pinky promise with British wheelchair tennis player and Paralympic medallist, Lucy Shuker

Charlotte appeared in high spirits as she greeted Lucy, who has represented Great Britain at four successive Paralympic Games.

The 44-year-old later posted an image of her with Charlotte on Instagram, captioned: 'Pinky promise'.

Lucy added a tennis emoji after the caption, indicating that they perhaps pledged to play a game of the sport together.

After the Princess greeted Lucy, she looked equally pleased to meet 21-year-old tennis star, Emma Raducanu.

The daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who sported a £70 Polka Dot dress from Guess, was thrilled to meet the tennis star, and was photographed smiling ear to ear in her presence.

The mother and daughter then met the 'Work at Wimbledon' programme which supports young people from a range of backgrounds with roles at the Championships.

They were without Prince George, ten, perhaps indicating he will join his father at the Euros final in Berlin this evening.

Also in the box were A-listers Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise - a close friend of the royals - as well as Benedict Cumberbatch - an Eton classmate of Prince William -  London Mayor Sadiq Khan and tennis royalty Andre Agassi.

In a sweet moment, the nine-year-old royal locked pinky fingers with the wheelchair tennis player 

Princess Charlotte, nine, appeared in high spirits as she met 21-year-old tennis star, Emma Raducanu 

The Princess of Wales was greeted with a standing ovation as she headed into the Royal Box at Wimbledon today

Prince William's second cousin Lord Frederick Windsor, and his wife Sophie Winkleman also joined Kate and Charlotte in the box. 

The couple are close with the Wales', with their children previously attending the same school and Charlotte and George. 

The royal, who opted for a £1295 bespoke dress from Safiyaa, is a huge tennis fan and has been patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club since 2016.

Looking effortlessly chic, the royal added a £122 Milly Nude leather bag from LK Bennett, which she has worn before.

Boosting her height, Kate added rewore a pair of Camilla Elphick slingback pimps, while accessorising with Halycon Days Salamander Torque Aquamarine & Gold Bangle.

She was seen today chatting to female players ahead of the final day of play at SW19.  

She often presents the trophy to the Ladies Singles winner, however this year attended the tournament on the final day instead.

Charlotte, nine, looked adorable in a blue polka number, as she tied her hair back with a bow. 

The future queen was greeted with a standing ovation as she she got ready to watch the tennis

Celebrities and leaders watched as the Princess of Wales made her first appearance in months

Her attendance at Wimbledon today marks the first time the mother-of-three has officially appeared in public since her last outing at Trooping the Colour last month.

Many A-listers and members of the Royal Family have made appearances in the Royal Box over the years, including the late Queen Elizabeth, Meghan Markle and Queen Camilla. 

This year, Kate's parents Carole and Michael have watched on from the box, as well as Queen Camilla, Princess Beatrice and  

The Princess of Wales announced that she had cancer in March and has since being undergoing preventative chemotherapy. 

Kate has shown her love for sports time and time again with numerous appearances at Wimbledon and various charity events. 

Earlier this week, the Princess paid tribute to Andy Murray's 'incredible Wimbledon career' as the tennis star is said to be 'absolutely devastated' after Emma Raducanu pulled out of their doubles match.

The Princess of Wales made a triumphant return to public life today as she attended the Wimbledon men's final alongside daughter Princess Charlotte

Kate, 42, who has stepped away from public royal duties while undergoing cancer treatment, headed to the Royal Box to see Carlos Alcaraz take on Novak Djokovic in the Grand Slam final

Princess Kate brought Charlotte along to the game - with the young royal looking delighted throughout the event

Kate's sister Pippa Middleton also attended this week, making her first appearance since her sister the Princess of Wales' cancer diagnosis.

Looking effortlessly elegant in a stylish floral jumpsuit from Claire Mischevani, she attended day 12 of Wimbledon on Friday.

Elsewhere, Pippa and Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton appeared in good spirits as they enjoyed watching the action from the Royal Box last week.

The couple also appeared very focused as they took in the second round match between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Britain's Jacob Fearnley.

Both also laughed as they chatted with other attendees, including Sebastian Coe, the President of the International Association of Athletics Federations, who was seen sharing a giggle with an animated Carole.