Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, made a much-anticipated return to her royal duties over the weekend by attending the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Her presence at the annual event, held at the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, was eagerly awaited by fans and royal watchers alike.

Middleton, who has been the patron of the All England Club since 2016, arrived at Centre Court on Sunday for the men's singles final, accompanied by her daughter, Princess Charlotte, 9, and her sister, Pippa Middleton. The royal mother of three looked stunning in a purple dress, while Princess Charlotte charmed the crowd in a polka-dot outfit.

As Middleton entered the Royal Box, she received a standing ovation from the audience, highlighting the warm reception she continues to enjoy. Among those welcoming her were several British tennis players, including Emma Raducanu, according to CNN.

The Princess of Wales had the honor of presenting the trophy to the Spanish reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz after his victory over veteran Novak Djokovic. Before handing over the trophy, Middleton shook hands with Djokovic, a moment captured and reported by the Daily Mail.

Kensington Palace shared several photos of Middleton and Princess Charlotte from the event on social media platforms X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. The Duchess of Cambridge, who announced her cancer diagnosis in March, expressed her joy at being part of the prestigious event. "Great to be back at @Wimbledon! There's nothing quite like The Championships," read the caption accompanying the photos.

The post was met with an outpouring of positive reactions from royal fans, who were delighted to see Middleton at Wimbledon. This appearance marked her second public outing since revealing her battle with cancer. In June, Middleton joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and their children—Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6—on the balcony for Trooping the Colour.

"It's wonderful to see you back, Catherine! Looking beautiful as always," commented one fan. Another added, "Great to have you back. Enjoy the day, and it's great to see the PoW and Princess Charlotte. We hope to see more of everyone this fall."

Middleton's return to public life has been met with widespread approval, though it has also sparked some criticism. Richard Eden, editor for Daily Mail Diary, Eden Confidential, and Palace Confidential, noted that the Princess's attendance at Wimbledon had been taken for granted in past years. However, this year, her appearance drew particular attention due to her recent health challenges.

"The so-called Sussex Squad, those obsessive online fans of Prince Harry and Meghan who revel in criticizing other members of the Royal Family. Their main point is that Catherine should not attend a sports event when she has been unable to carry out more serious public engagements," Eden wrote. He added, "They claim, without any evidence, that it would 'prove' she hadn't been sick at all. This is the sort of deeply unpleasant trolling that the princess—just like other royals—has to put up with on a daily basis."

Despite the criticisms, Middleton's presence at Wimbledon underscored her commitment to her royal duties and her resilience in the face of personal health battles. Her appearance with Princess Charlotte added a touch of familial warmth to the event, delighting the public and reinforcing her role as a beloved member of the royal family.

The Princess's return to the spotlight has been a source of inspiration and admiration for many. As she continues to navigate her responsibilities while dealing with health challenges, Middleton's poise and grace remain unwavering, endearing her further to the public.