Princess Kate Middleton broke royal tradition when she hugged Wimbledon final runner-up

The Princess of Wales had a sweet response…

Princess Kate Middleton once proved at Wimbledon that although there are many royal protocols in place, there are always occasions where rules can be broken.

The mum-of-three enjoys the sport and is often seen attending the games while sitting in the Royal Box. Speculation on the royal attending this year’s event is at an all-time high after she dropped out of Royal Ascot last month.

But it was in 2023 when she met Ons Jabeur that Kate Middleton decided to break royal rules at Wimbledon.
Kate Middleton often attends Wimbledon (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Princess Kate Middleton broke royal etiquette at Wimbledon

The moment came when Kate Middleton was tasked with handing out the winner’s and runner-up trophies at Wimbledon in 2023.

Ons Jabeur was in tears after losing the final that year. She came out as runner-up in two consecutive finals after losing out to Elena Rybakina and Marketa Vondrousova. It was a tough time for the athlete as she also lost at the US Open Final that year.

The 28-year-old was presented with her Wimbledon’s runners-up prize by Kate Middleton and they stopped to talk.

As she appeared inconsolable, the Tunisian revealed the emotional moment turned into something sweet.

Jabeur admitted the princess wasn’t sure whether she should go in for an embrace, but the athlete was more than happy to huge Catherine. It was also a candid moment between the pair as the royal encouraged her to keep on pushing towards her dreams.

She said: “Obviously she was very nice. She didn’t know if she wants to give me a hug or not. I told her hugs are always welcome from me.”

When she was asked what Kate Middleton had said to her, she added: “Same thing after last year. To encourage me to be strong, to come back and win a Grand Slam, win a Wimbledon.”
The royal received a standing ovation in 2024 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Princess greeted by standing ovation

The royal has been slowly returning back to work within the fold of The Firm after being diagnosed with cancer. Kate underwent chemotherapy treatment and announced she was in remission at the beginning of 2025.

However, last year, she had remained mostly out of the public eye as she focused on her family and her health.

Kate Middleton did attend Wimbledon last year, and she was greeted by a standing ovation by the crowd.

Fans are hoping to get another glimpse of the Princess of Wales after she pulled out of a Royal Ascot appearance last month.

It came after she had a busy schedule in May, with attending the VE Day celebrations, Order of the Garter service and Trooping the Colour.