Buckingham Palace confirms major royal will attend Wimbledon as tennis fans hold out hope that Princess Kate might still attend

Buckingham Palace has confirmed a major royal will attend Wimbledon this week, after tournament officials broke their silence about the ailing Princess Catherine’s potential appearance at the final.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed a major member of the monarchy will attend Wimbledon this week – but it’s not Princess Catherine, who royal fans are still hopeful will make her traditional appearance at the prestigious event.

The palace on Wednesday confirmed Birgitte the Duchess of Gloucester will on Thursday attend the Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

The wife of Queen Elizabeth’s cousin, who is Honorary President of the Lawn Tennis Association, will attend the Lawn Tennis Association’s President’s Lunch beforehand.