Kate Middleton a Royal Match for Wimbledon, Granted Honorary Membership

Prince William's wife may miss out on this year's tournament, but her new accolade ensures she's be courtside for years to come

By Gina Serpe Jan 25, 2013 4:24 PMTags
Kate Middleton, Prince WilliamClive Mason/Getty Images

The ball's in Kate Middleton's court.

The pregnant Duchess of Cambridge, no stranger to Wimbledon's royal box, just made herself an official courtside fixture, becoming an honorary member of the All England Tennis Club, the official venue of the iconic sports tournament.

"The Duchess was pleased to accept the kind offer, especially given her interest in tennis," a palace rep said of the athletically inclined royal.

Of course, timing is everything, and the 31-year-old wife of Prince William is unlikely to make it to Wimbledon this year (what with her July due date happening to fall within the same month as the tennis tourney and all), but both she and her sister Pippa Middleton (along with her hubby, the Duke of Cambridge) have been staples at matches over the years.

Meanwhile, the membership offer has already sparked speculation that Kate is now next in line to replace the Duke of Kent as club president whenever he chooses to step down.

There's something about this family and lines of succession, eh?