Kate Middleton made a special appearance at the Wimbledon Men's Singles final on Sunday, appearing in public for the second time following her cancer diagnosis. Mega tennis fan the Princess of Wales, who is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment, chose to wear a purple dress by Safiyaa for her return to public duties.
She arrived to huge cheers alongside her daughter Princess Charlotte and sister Pippa Middleton.
Kate recently announced that she may be appearing at “some public engagements over the summer”, prompting some speculation as to whether she would attend her beloved Wimbledon – which she has traditionally attended every year as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
She has only appeared once more publicly since sharing her cancer diagnosis with the world – at June's Trooping The Colour celebration in honour of King Charles' official birthday.
Following up her monochrome Jenny Packham look at the royal parade, Kate went for a similarly chic-yet-composed look for her poignant return to the tennis tournament – in her tailored lilac look with her go-to nude heels and accessories.
Her dress appears to be Safiyaa's ‘Cecilia’ dress, with the neckline slightly altered to allow for more modesty.
Back in June, Kate Middleton made a statement about her recovery and shared that she may be easing herself back in to public life. In a post shared on she and Prince William's official Instagram, she wrote: “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."
She added: “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.”
Of her hope to return to work, she said: "My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.
"I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet.
The Wales siblings are at it again!
"I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty. Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal.
“Thank you so much for your continued understanding, and to all of you who have so bravely shared your stories with me.”
