Princess of Wales Shares Heartfelt Words with Cancer-Fighting Tennis Star at Wimbledon
Kate hails inspirational Wimbledon finalist who plays – The Princess of Wales has shared a moving exchange with a Wimbledon finalist, praising her courage for competing in tennis while receiving cancer treatment. Gabriela Dabrowski, a Canadian athlete set to compete in the women’s doubles championship on Centre Court this Sunday, had the opportunity to speak with Kate on Saturday afternoon during the prestigious tournament. Dressed in a strawberry red belted blouse paired with a matching red pleated midi skirt, the royal met with Dabrowski before settling into the royal box to observe the ladies’ singles final. The encounter proved particularly meaningful given both women’s recent health journeys.
A Meeting of Shared Strength
Dabrowski, aged 34, received her breast cancer diagnosis in 2024 yet has persisted with her tennis career throughout her treatment period. During their conversation, the tennis player discovered that Kate was already aware of her situation.
I guess someone told her, so she acknowledged that and just said it was amazing that I was still playing going through treatment, and she said it was very inspirational, which I feel the same likewise with her story as well.
The Canadian athlete reflected on the unexpected emotion of the moment, noting how special the interaction felt.
Just a very beautiful moment. I didn’t expect to be emotional, but yeah, very strange feeling.
Kate, who also announced her own cancer treatment in 2024, shared her perspective on the power of athletics during difficult times. She told Dabrowski that she believes sport can “prove that your body is still strong.” This sentiment resonated deeply with the tennis player, who has several more years of hormone therapy ahead of her.
That’s what she loves about sport, is that you can still prove that your body is strong, and so I think that was that was really cool to hear from her. I love that she loves her sport. So yeah, just a beautiful moment.
Following in Kate’s Athletic Footsteps
Kate’s commitment to both sport and charitable causes was highlighted recently when she completed the Three Peaks Challenge at the end of June. The demanding physical feat required her to scale the highest mountains across Scotland, England, and Wales within a 24-hour period. She undertook this challenge to support the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to cancer research and patient support.
A Young Fan’s Dream Moment
Also present to meet the princess was Shirley Rodriguez Yugsi, an 11-year-old who performed the ceremonial coin toss for the ladies’ singles final on Centre Court. Shirley represents the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative, a programme designed to bring tennis to young people in the local community.
It was like a dream. I didn’t think it was happening. It was amazing. I would have never thought that I would get to shake her hand.
Shirley recounted how Kate inquired about her afternoon plans, and the young girl explained her selection for the coin toss. The princess expressed her pride in Shirley’s achievement.
She said she was proud of me for doing for achieving it… for being the one picked to do it.
Shirley has participated in the Wimbledon Junior Tennis Initiative for eight years now. The programme, supported financially by the Wimbledon Foundation, serves children throughout Merton and Wandsworth, helping them develop tennis abilities while building self-confidence.
It’s just improving my life a lot. I feel that my mindset is more organised, and when I play tennis, it’s like the only place I can escape from reality. For some, it may be reading books. For me, it’s tennis.
The meeting between the princess and these two tennis players—one a seasoned professional battling illness, the other a young girl pursuing her passion—highlighted the unifying power of sport and the importance of community support during challenging times.
