The royal family is in mourning following the death of a close family friend.

According to reports from The Mirror, Kate Middleton and her family are grieving the loss of Tony Henman, father of renowned British tennis player Tim Henman.

Tony passed away on Friday at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the world of tennis and a deep friendship with the Middletons.

Kate’s parents, Carol and Michael, shared a strong bond with Tony and his wife, Jane.

Their friendship goes back many years, highlighted by their presence at Prince William and Kate’s wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011.

The two families often came together during significant events, including tennis matches at Wimbledon, where their camaraderie flourished.

Tim Henman, a four-time semi-finalist at Wimbledon, has been seen sitting alongside Kate during matches in recent years.

The connection between the Henman and Middleton families runs deep, particularly as both families share a passion for tennis.

The Middletons, including Kate and her sister Pippa, have been regular attendees at the prestigious tournament, showcasing their love for the sport.

However, the past year has not been easy for Kate.

In a candid moment shared with sports host Sue Barker, she recounted a painful experience involving her father, Michael.

She revealed how he struggled to maintain composure while interacting with Tim, especially after facing an embarrassing affair that left the family shaken.

This revelation added a layer of complexity to Kate’s relationship with the Henmans.