The Princess of Wales "sincerely hopes" to attend Wimbledon this week, a friend of hers told The Daily Beast. As she continues her treatment for cancer, Wimbledon officials are reportedly preparing contingency plans in case Kate is unable to attend, but more on that later.

Kate has been a patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, and Queen Elizabeth personally presented her patronage to Kate, a longtime athlete and tennis lover. No one has been more important in transforming the image of Wimbledon from a slightly dour sporting ritual to a chic, aspirational, and socially fabulous event than her current patroness, Princess Catherine," wrote The Daily Beast.

A friend of hers told the outlet, "It's no secret that she sincerely loves being there, but when you have chemotherapy, as she herself said, there are good days and bad days. A lot depends on the timing of your treatment." She was able to participate in "Trooping the Colour," so if she can participate in Wimbledon, she will."

Kate plans to present the winners of Saturday's women's final and Sunday's men's final with their trophies. However, if that is not possible, officials are preparing for a contingency, reports Tatler. If Kate is unable to attend, the magazine writes, "Bosses have mentioned the Duchess of Gloucester as a candidate to present the Wimbledon trophy." Discussions are continuing in Kate's absence, and informal talks have begun with the Duchess of Gloucester."

A Wimbledon spokesperson told Telegraph Sport that "no decision has been made yet" and that the presenting party "will be confirmed on the morning of each final." A few days earlier, All England Club president Debbie Jevans said Wimbledon was willing to give Kate "as much flexibility as possible" in the run-up to the final.

"We are hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophy as patron of the club, but her health and recovery is our top priority," Jevans told Telegraph Sports. 'We don't know what we don't know. All we have said is that we will work with her and give her as much flexibility as possible." Jevans said in that interview that the club had not yet considered who would replace Kate at the ceremony.

Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, is married to Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, first cousin of Queen Elizabeth. Like Kate, Birgitte is an avid tennis fan and has an associated benefactor," People reported. The Duchess of Gloucester has served as honorary president of the Lawn Tennis Association for 25 years, supporting the British tennis governing body." This year, the Duchess of Gloucester has attended two tennis tournaments since the competition began on July 1."

The Duchess of Gloucester is a full-time working member of the royal family and was recently named a Royal Lady of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, "the first non-blood royal not married to a monarch or heir to the throne to be appointed to this position," People wrote.

According to the Daily Express, a final decision is not expected to be made until the morning of the women's final this Saturday, July 13.