Phil Foden LEAVES England camp at the Euros to fly home to the UK to be with his pregnant girlfriend for the birth of his third child - but hopes to be back for last-16 game

 Will Kate Be Back for Wimbledon? Officials 'Hopeful' Princess Will Present Trophies Weeks After Boosting Nation at Trooping the Colour

The Princess of Wales could make a highly anticipated return to Wimbledon this year, with officials at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) expressing optimism that she will be able to present the championship trophies.

Debbie Jevans, the Chair of the AELTC, stated that the club will give Kate "as much flexibility as possible" as she continues her treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, which was diagnosed earlier this year. Jevans noted that the club would be willing to postpone finding a replacement for the trophy presentation duties if necessary to accommodate the princess's health and recovery.

Kate, an avid tennis player herself, has served as the patron of the AELTC since 2016. Traditionally, she has attended several matches during the prestigious two-week tournament and has presented the trophies to the men's and women's singles champions.

However, the princess is currently not undertaking any official duties due to her ongoing preventative chemotherapy treatment. This has caused uncertainty around her participation in this year's Wimbledon festivities.

Despite the challenges, the AELTC remains hopeful that Kate will be able to fulfill her role. Jevans told Telegraph Sport, "We're hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as the Club's patron, but her health and recovery is the priority. We don't know what we don't know. All we've said is that we'll work with her and give her as much flexibility as possible."

The princess's recent appearance at the Trooping the Colour ceremony earlier this month has sparked renewed optimism among royal fans and Wimbledon enthusiasts. In a personal statement, Kate acknowledged her ongoing treatment, stating that while she is not ready to return to work full-time, she hopes to join "a few public engagements over the summer."

Kensington Palace, however, has stressed that they will not confirm any future engagements until much closer to the event, citing the uncertainty surrounding the princess's treatment and recovery.

If Kate is unable to fulfill her traditional role, the AELTC has contingency plans in place. Jevans suggested that another member of the Royal Family or even the club's chair herself could step in to present the trophies. The royal trophy presentation is considered a significant tradition at Wimbledon, with ten royals having taken on the honor since Prince George, later King George V, became the club's first president in 1907.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate's predecessor, had assumed the role of patron from Queen Elizabeth II, who served in that capacity from 1952 to 2016 and presented the trophies on several occasions.

As the world-famous championships approach, beginning on Monday, the AELTC remains hopeful that the nation's beloved Princess of Wales will grace the hallowed grounds of the All England Club once more, providing a boost to both the tournament and the country as a whole.