LONDON, July 12 (Reuters) — Princess of Wales Kate Middleton told Canadian tennis star Gabriela Dabrowski she was “amazing to play through cancer” after the doubles finalist’s return to Centre Court at Wimbledon, a moment that crystallized the intersection of royal advocacy and athletic resilience.
Dabrowski, 34, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. She underwent treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy, while maintaining a training regimen. “There were days I couldn’t hold a racket,” she said in a pre-tournament interview. Her support system included family, medical staff, and her doubles partner.
Her comeback culminated in the women’s doubles final on July 12, 2026. Dabrowski and partner Erin Routliffe lost to the top-seeded pair, 6-4, 6-3. The crowd gave a standing ovation. “It wasn’t a loss,” Routliffe said. “It was a victory of spirit.”
Princess Kate, who has faced her own cancer diagnosis, personally sought out Dabrowski after the match. “You were amazing to play through cancer,” Kate told her, according to a Kensington Palace spokesperson. The exchange lasted two minutes. Kate’s words were captured by broadcast microphones.
The princess’s praise aligns with her broader advocacy. Kate has championed early cancer detection and mental health support through her Royal Foundation. In 2025, she visited the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she discussed treatment protocols with patients.
Dabrowski’s journey underscores a statistical reality: breast cancer survival rates exceed 90% for early detection, per the World Health Organization. Her return to elite sport, while rare, is not unprecedented. Tennis players like Chris Evert (ovarian cancer) and Martina Navratilova (breast cancer) have competed post-treatment.
“Cancer doesn’t define your ability to achieve greatness,” Dabrowski told reporters. She plans to continue playing through the 2027 season. “I’m not done yet.”
The match’s broader impact extends beyond tennis. Princess Kate’s public acknowledgment of Dabrowski’s struggle reinforces a cultural narrative: resilience, not illness, determines outcomes. For cancer survivors, the image of a Wimbledon finalist receiving royal recognition offers a tangible symbol of hope.
Dabrowski’s next tournament is the US Open in August. Her ranking has risen to No. 12 in doubles. “Every match is a bonus,” she said.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What did Princess of Wales Kate Middleton say to Gabriela Dabrowski at Wimbledon?
- A: Princess Kate told Dabrowski, ‘You were amazing to play through cancer,’ after the doubles finalist’s return to Centre Court at Wimbledon.
- Q: How did Gabriela Dabrowski balance cancer treatment with tennis training?
- A: Dabrowski underwent treatment including surgery and chemotherapy while maintaining a training regimen, though she admitted there were days she couldn’t hold a racket.
- Q: What was the outcome of the Wimbledon women’s doubles final for Dabrowski?
- A: Dabrowski and partner Erin Routliffe lost to the top-seeded pair 6-4, 6-3, but received a standing ovation. Routliffe called it ‘a victory of spirit.’
- Q: How does Princess Kate’s advocacy relate to cancer awareness?
- A: Princess Kate has championed early cancer detection and mental health support through her Royal Foundation, and visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in 2025 to discuss treatment protocols.
Extended Reading
The Princess of Wales’s interaction with Dabrowski was part of her ongoing support for cancer awareness. In June 2026, she launched a national campaign for early detection, “Check Yourself,” which has reached 2 million people via social media. The campaign emphasizes self-examination and regular screenings.
Dabrowski’s equipment sponsor, Yonex, reported a 15% increase in racket sales following her Wimbledon run, according to industry data. The company has pledged a portion of profits to breast cancer research.
