The Royal Family ‘would not be as popular’ without Kate Middleton – do you agree?

The Princess of Wales received a standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd on Sunday, as she made a surprise return to the Wimbledon Championships – and we asked Mirror readers to share their thoughts on the Royal Family.

Wearing a stunning regal purple dress, Kate appeared full of joy as she attended the prestigious tennis tournament, alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Middleton. As patron of the All England Club, Kate handed Novak Djokovic his runner-up gong and Carlos Alcaraz with the champion’s trophy, following the nail-biting match.

Kate, who is an avid tennis fan and regular Wimbledon attendee, has become a beloved fixture of the championships since 2011. It was confirmed on Saturday that the Princess would present Sunday’s awards, marking Kate’s second public appearance since her cancer diagnosis in March.

The 42-year-old was last seen at Trooping the Colour last month, as she joined Prince William and their three children for the King’s annual birthday celebration. In a health recent update, the Princess said she is “making good progress” but “there are good days and bad days”.

While it is currently unknown what type of cancer she has, Kate said: “My treatment is ongoing and will be for a few more months. On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home.”

We asked Mirror readers if the Royal Family would be as popular without Kate, and a whopping 73 per cent said ‘No, they wouldn’t’. Around 4,696 people took part in our poll and a hefty 3,438 said the Firm would not be as well-liked without her.

Voicing their thoughts in the comments section, one reader penned: “So beautiful, and regal in that gorgeous purple dress. Such elegance and class…a shining example of what a future Queen should be.”

Another echoed: “So glad to see her looking so radiant and beautiful…She absolutely deserved that standing ovation!…goes to show just how much the nation adores our future (rightful) Queen.”

“How wonderful and she certainly looks stunning – The Middletons must be so relieved to see her – Our BELOVED Princess Catherine out and about – God Bless Her,” shared a third. While a fourth gushed: “Lovely to hear that our much beloved Princess of Wales received such a warm welcome from the Wimbledon crowd