PRINCESS Kate has made a triumphant return to Wimbledon today and stunned in a show-stopping purple Safiyaa midi dress.
The Princess of Wales, 42, delighted fans as she arrived with Princess Charlotte, nine, to watch Novak Djokovic take on Carlos Alcaraz.
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The royal mum-of-three – who was also accompanied by sister Pippa Middleton – looked sensational in her purple midi dress with ruffle detailing, which she paired with a beige bag and heels.
Princess Kate added her small dark green and purple bow pinned onto her dress, and it has a significant meaning.
The bow is a nod to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – of which Kate is a patron – and features its official colours.
Meanwhile, Princess Charlotte looked smart in a polka dot dress, with her hair pulled back in a neat plait.
Colour expert Jules Standish told Fabulous that purple – as seen with Kate’s dress – is seen as a “calming” shade to wear.
It was also once the exclusive preserve of monarchs as it was such an expensive hue to produce.
Jules says: “This colour is often associated with power, luxury and glamour, yet is calming at the same time.
“It highlights Kate’s unique personality and her understated leadership qualities in a creative and visionary way.”
Avid tennis fan Kate has rarely missed a Wimbledon tournament, and her attendance was confirmed by Kensington Palace.
Royal expert Hugh Vickers shared how the announcement is a “huge step forward” for the Princess of Wales and is “very positive news” amid her cancer treatment.
Speaking of the announcement, Royal Historian Hugh Vickers told The Sun: “I think it’s extremely good news because not only will Wimbledon have the most exciting match tomorrow in the men’s finals, with Djokovic playing Alcaraz, but also the presence of Catherine, Princess of Wales will just be the icing on the cake because everybody had been hoping so much that she would be well enough to attend.
“And we are told that she is still having treatment and so she has to take things day by day.
“She told us in the last message at the time of Trooping the Colour that she isn’t out of the woods yet.
“So each appearance is a step forward, and I can’t think of a better way of celebrating tomorrow than her being at Wimbledon.”
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The royal expert added that both the crowd and viewers will be “absolutely thrilled” at seeing the Princess of Wales.
Kate was last seen in public at Trooping the Colour on June 15 – with Prince William proudly standing at her side.
Prior to Trooping the Colour, Kate had not been seen with the Royal Family since Christmas Day last year at Sandringham.
Hugh continued: “In every possible way, it’s a good sign.
“Catherine became president of the All England tennis club in 2016 – the Duke of Kent was always the person who was there before, and there’s been a sort of gradual handover – and she loves tennis.
“And so rather than having to watch it at home, it’s wonderful to think that she’ll be in the royal box because we’ve rather missed her this year.
“And I gather that she will also present the trophy. So this is all very positive news.”
Deborah Jevans, chair of the AELTC, presented the Ladies’ trophy at the request of the princess to Barbora Krejcikova.
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Tennis bosses recently revealed they remained hopeful the Princess of Wales would head to Wimbledon this year and AELTC chair Debbie previously said they were “staying flexible” over who will present trophies.
Traditionally Kate does the honour, in her role as patron of the group.
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.”
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.”
Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery
JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery
JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside
JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week
JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital
FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health
MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate
Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo
Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William
Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor
Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport
Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior
Mar 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis
April 29: Kate and William mark 13th anniversary releasing unseen wedding photos
June 8: Kate does not attend Colonel’s Review but letter she penned to Irish Guards reveals she said: “I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon”
June 14: Kensington Palace announces the princess will attend the King’s Birthday Parade
KATE’S BIG APPEAL
Legendary former royal correspondent Charles Rae told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show there is a big reason why Wimbledon organisers would “love” to have her back.
Speaking to our Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, he said: “I think the people at Wimbledon would love to have Catherine back in again because it will boost the viewing audience and boost people being there.
“The problem with it is that when we first found out about her cancer, various people were putting dates on about when she was due to come back.
“She was going to be back in late April, she’s going to be back for Trooping or back for whatever.
“We just don’t know when she is going to be back.”
Another expert previously said Kate “would love” to go to Wimbledon this year if her health allows.
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ROYAL’S HEALTH JOURNEY
Kate was taken into hospital for planned abdominal surgery in January and spent 13 nights at the London Clinic before continuing her recovery at home with her family.
In March, Kate bravely released a video revealing “tests after the operation found cancer had been present” and that she had started preventative cancer treatment.
The Princess said the diagnosis had come as a “huge shock” – but vowed: “I am well and getting stronger every day”.
Princess Kate gave an update on her health last month – just hours before Trooping the Colour.
KATE’S MESSAGE
She told how her treatment is “ongoing and will be for a few more months” as she revealed she is “not out of the woods yet”.
But she told how it is a “joy” for her to still engage with school life and spend time “on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home”.
She said: “I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months.
“It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times.
“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days.
“On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to
your body resting.
“But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”
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