Kate Middleton shares warm message to Andy Murray as his Wimbledon career ends

PRINCESS Kate has shared a warm message to tennis ace Andy Murray as his Wimbledon career ended abruptly – saying he should be “very proud”.

Andy Murray has played for the last time at Wimbledon after his mixed-doubles partner Emma Raducanu dropped out.

The pair talking after Murray won in 2016

Andy Murray’s Wimbledon career is over after his doubles partner dropped outCredit: AP

The Princess’ message was posted to social mediaCredit: Instagram

Kate traditionally awards the trophies to the winners of the tournamentCredit: Getty
The Scot was due to play mixed doubles with Raducanu on Saturday evening but the former US Open champion pulled out of the clash earlier in the day, citing stiffness in her right wrist.

Sir Andy is understood to be “devastated” to miss out on a swansong at the legendary tennis tournament.

Kate posted: “An incredible #Wimbledon career comes to an end. You should be so very proud @andy_murray. On behalf of all of us, thank you! C.”

In a statement, Raducanu confirmed that she was dropping out.

She wrote: “Unfortunately I woke up with some stiffness in my right wrist this morning, so therefore I have decided to make the very tough decision to withdraw from the mixed doubles tonight.

“I’m disappointed as I was really looking forward to playing with Andy but got to take care.”

SunSport understands that Murray is “so disappointed” not to be able to step out at his home Grand Slam, where he was singles champion in 2013 and 2016, one last time.

Murray was forced to withdraw from the singles event earlier this week after having an operation on his back a fortnight ago.

He did manage to get on court in the men’s doubles, however, playing alongside brother Jamie for the first time at Wimbledon.

After the pair were beaten by Aussie pair Rinky Hijikata and John Peers, Murray was honoured on Centre Court.

Wimbledon legend Sue Barker returned to lead the emotional ceremony, which featured a video containing messages from the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams.

Kate has understandably taken a step back from public duties as she undergoes her cancer treatment.

AELTC chair Debbie Jevans had earlier confirmed that they are “staying flexible” over who will present trophies to the Wimbledon champions this year.

Traditionally Kate does the honour, in her role as patron of the group.

Debbie told Telegraph Sport: “We’re hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as the Club’s patron, but her health and recovery is the priority.

“We don’t know what we don’t know. All we’ve said is that we’ll work with her and give her as much flexibility as possible.”

Judy Murray called the news that Raducanu was no longer playing alongside her son as “astonishing” on social media site X.