Kate's ace return to Wimbledon

THE Princess of Wales was given a standing ovation at Wimbledon as she made her second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis.

- Liz Perkins

She wore the All England Lawn Tennis Club's traditional purple as she sat in the Royal Box on Centre Court alongside daughter Princess Charlotte, nine.

Kate, patron of the All-England Lawn Tennis Club, was also accompanied by sister Pippa and watched as Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz, 21, retained the men's singles title with a straight-sets triumph over seventime champion Novak Djokovic, 37.

King of the court Carlos won 6-2 6-2 7-6 and shared a word with the Princess as she presented him with the winner's trophy and in the VIP lounge afterwards.

Kate, 42, introduced her daughter to her hero, saying: "This is Charlotte, she was cheering you on.

We had everything crossed.

"We've watched you a lot on telly, so it's nice to meet you.

You're playing so well, so well done, enjoy the win."

The Princess, wearing a £1,295 bespoke dress from Safiyaa, also met British tennis stars including Emma Radacanu, Sonay Kartal and Lucy Shuker, who all gave the Princess a bouquet.

Charlotte gave wheelchair star Lucy a "pinky promise" that she would try the sport.