Prince William and Princess Kate could experience a rare calendar clash this week as two major sports events are set to take place on the same day.
Kate has stepped out of the public eye this year to focus on her health as she continues chemotherapy treatment following a cancer diagnosis. However, in a statement in June she said she hoped to attend some events over the summer.
Many fans have speculated that this could include a visit to one of Kate's favorite sports events, the Wimbledon tennis championships in London. Kate is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), the governing body that hosts the tourney, and has attended the multiday event regularly since her marriage in 2011.
In her capacity as patron, Kate traditionally presents the prizes to the women's and men's singles final champions in the final days of the tournament. This year, Kate's attendance has not been confirmed because of her health, but AELTC chair Deborah Jevans has said she is "hopeful" the princess will be well enough to present the prizes.
Kensington Palace has not commented on when the princess may make public appearances over the summer, and it has discouraged speculation as she continues chemotherapy. Still, anticipation is building among fans ahead of the men's singles final, which is on July 14.
Over the past 10 years, Kate has attended the men's singles final championship match eight times, and seven of those have been with William. But if the princess attends this year, she may have to do so without her husband.
William could have his own sporting occasion planned for July 14, if England's national soccer team makes it through to the final stage of the UEFA European Football Championship, or Euros.
William is president of the Football Association in Britain and has traveled to Germany, where this year's Euros tournament is held, to support England in the group stages and semifinal games, each of which the team has won.
On Saturday, the prince was photographed celebrating in the stands of the Düsseldorf Arena as England won its game against Switzerland in the penalty stages.
If England beats the Netherlands in Wednesday's semifinal, it will face either France or Spain in the finals. The nation has never won this tournament overall, and the achievement would be a milestone in English soccer history, one that William would no doubt want to be present for.
Newsweek reached out to Kensington Palace by email for comment. Whether the prince will be present at Wednesday's semifinal game has not yet been confirmed.
Both William and Kate are among the royal family's most passionate sporting fans. Both are patrons of competing national rugby teams. (William is a patron of Welsh rugby and Kate of English rugby.)
The couple are also equally passionate about sailing, competing in the 2019 King's Cup sailing regatta for charity.
James Crawford-Smith is Newsweek's royal reporter, based in London. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter) at @jrcrawfordsmith and read his stories on Newsweek's The Royals Facebook page.
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About the writer
James Crawford-Smith is a Newsweek Royal Reporter, based in London, U.K. His focus is reporting on the British royal family ... Read more
