By Emeka Blast 
Duchess Kate Calls Cancer-Stricken Child a ‘Brave Boy’ During Wimbledon Finale
The Princess of Wales, Kate, brought a moment of warmth to the Wimbledon men’s singles final today, praising 11-year-old Ambrose Caldecott as a “brave boy” for his resilience in battling bone cancer. Accompanied by the Prince of Wales, Prince George, and Princess Charlotte, Kate attended the match at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to watch defending champion Carlos Alcaraz face world number one Jannik Sinner. The royal family’s presence, marked by a standing ovation for Kate on Saturday, underscored her return to public duties following her own cancer diagnosis in 2024, from which she announced being cancer-free earlier this year.
Before entering Centre Court, Kate, who has been patron of the All England Club since 2016, met Ambrose, chosen to perform the ceremonial coin toss for the final. Diagnosed with bone cancer in March 2024, Ambrose shared his experiences of undergoing chemotherapy over the past year. Kate, visibly moved, responded, “What a brave boy you’ve been. Good luck today, we’ll be cheering you on.” Speaking to the PA news agency, Ambrose described their conversation, which touched on tennis, his favorite sports, and the challenges of his treatment, noting Kate’s empathy given her own cancer journey.
The royals, seated near King Felipe VI of Spain, who attended to support Alcaraz, also met British men’s doubles champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, who made history on Saturday as the first all-British pair to win the title since 1936. Cash, 28, told PA, “They’re all tennis fans, asking about the final and how it felt to win at home.” The family also engaged with ball girl Sienna, 18, and ball boy Dennis, 17, who described the royals’ inquiries about their training and the heat as “a unique experience.” Kate further met Wimbledon Ambassador Steve Backshall and disability sports coach Temi Johnson, 28, nominated by The Wimbledon Foundation.
Kate’s appearance followed her emotional role on Saturday, presenting the women’s singles trophy to Iga Swiatek, who called the moment “surreal” after defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0. Kate consoled a tearful Anisimova, urging her to keep her “head high.” The women’s final, played under 31°C heat, nearly matched the 1976 record of 31.2°C, with the ongoing UK heatwave adding strain to spectators and players alike. The Princess of Wales’s parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, joined the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester in the royal box, reinforcing the family’s support.
The event, attended by thousands despite the sweltering conditions, highlighted Kate’s personal connection to cancer awareness, amplified by Chronic Disease Awareness Day on July 10, which emphasized solidarity for those with conditions like cancer. Posts on X, including from @Independent, praised Kate’s heartfelt interaction with Ambrose, reflecting public admiration for her compassion. As she prepares to present the men’s trophy today, Kate’s presence continues to inspire, blending royal duty with a powerful message of resilience amid the UK’s record-breaking heatwave.
