It was a big summer for the royals, with Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations having taken place in June 2022. Over the course of the festivities, the public was lucky to witness the Wales children and how they’ve grown. Prince Louis stole the spotlight from his older brother Prince George and sister Princess Charlotte, but now it seems Prince William and Kate Middleton’s eldest child got his own moment in the spotlight.
George was lucky to accompany his mother and father to the Wimbledon men’s finals on Sunday, July 10, 2022. The outing proved to be the young royal’s first time at the grand slam tennis tournament, and he was lucky enough to not only meet the winner but also hold the trophy.
The men’s final match was between Serbian player Novak Djokovic and Australian player Nick Kyrgios. Djokovic ended up winning the match in four sets, which George must have been delighted about. After George was asked which player he wanted to win that day, he appeared too shy to give an answer, but William spoke up for him when he whispered “Djokovic,” according to The Mirror. He added: “We’ll see how long it lasts. He’ll support the winner.”
Meanwhile, the family was asked where Princess Charlotte was, to which Kate replied, “It’s George’s treat today.” The matriarch of the Wales family is no stranger to Wimbledon, as she is a frequent spectator at the prestigious tournament. In fact, she’d already attended multiple times during the week, including watching the women’s final on Saturday, July 9, 2022, where she presented the winners with their trophies. She also presented the men’s finalists with their trophies on Sunday.
William and Kate accompanied then-8-year-old George to the men’s final, where he had his Wimbledon debut. Together they sat in the royal box as the family watched on eagerly. Matching in shades of blue and white, George looked smart in a white collared shirt, striped tie and navy blazer, while William was notably casual in a blue collared shirt, navy tie and gray blazer.
Meanwhile, Kate wore a navy and white polka dot Alessandra Rich dress and accessorized with an exclusive pin — a green and purple bow tie that signifies she’s a member of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. However, not only is she a member, but she’s one of only a few people who are allowed to wear the bow pin, including the club’s president, vice presidents, the committee of management and four members of the executive staff.
George must have inherited his mother’s love of tennis as the young royal thoroughly enjoyed watching the game. He was rather animated as he sat with his parents and looked on, and even gave his younger brother a run for his money when it came to pulling faces as he got very immersed in the match.
After the match was over and Kate had presented the finalists with their trophies, the family met with winner Djokovic, and George was even lucky enough to hold his trophy. In a short video that was released to the official Wimbledon Twitter account, Djokovic shook hands with the royals before he asked George if he wanted to hold the impressive trophy. As George excitedly held the trophy, William made a joke and told him, “Don’t drop it!” The young royal eventually handed the trophy to his mother since Djokovic and William were deep in conversation. The same tweet said:
“It’s been a special first #Wimbledon visit for Prince George.”
While William and Kate’s children have become well known for their hilarious antics and cheeky personalities, these comments are typically catered toward their two youngest kids. However, George proved to gain royal fans’ attention when they found out about his complaints at Wimbledon.
During the match between Kyrgios and Djokovic, the royal child looked very dignified in his suit. However, since it was summertime and the sun was blazing, George was understandably quite warm in his get-up. He was caught complaining about this to his father, according to Sky News.
The young royal said, “(It’s) too hot.” William simply replied, “Oh you’re hot, are you? It’s very warm today (…) It’ll be fine.”
Afterward, it seemed that Kate had told George how lucky they were, considering the fact that their seats were in the shade that day. “You have to feel for the people sitting in the bright sunshine,” she told him as a way to comfort George. “We’re quite often sitting in the shade.”
The hot temperature wasn’t the only thing making George upset that day. He had also been frustrated by Kyrgios’ reactions during the heated tennis match. Television presenter Dan Walker explained, “Prince George doesn’t look happy with what he’s seeing from Kyrgios.”
Angela Levin, a royal commentator, said, “Commentator at Wimbledon described Nick Kyrgios unpleasant characteristics then added that despite that we all love him. Really?” She continued, “Insulting empire, swearing in front of Prince George, shouting at all sorts of people. You must be joking.”
Still, it was clear that George and his parents had a good time at the match, as they commented on it throughout the day.
The Wales family posted about the match on their official Twitter account too. Earlier in the day, they wrote:
“Off to the @Wimbledon Men’s Singles final! It’s going to be a hot one!”
The couple also congratulated Djokovic and sent commiserations to Kyrgios via Twitter after the tournament had come to an end. In another post, they thanked all the players who competed in the two-week tournament, as well as the staff that worked there. They wrote, “Another year, another incredible tournament here.”
After the women’s final, the Wales family posted to Twitter as well and said, “@Wimbledon you make us proud each and every year!”
Now that George has officially attended his first Wimbledon, we’re sure to keep seeing the young royal at future tournaments. The youngster’s love of tennis is no secret since it was revealed that he’s been getting lessons since he was 5 years old. In fact, George has even been lucky enough to get some tips from former world number one, Roger Federer. The Swiss athlete — who’s won Wimbledon an incredible eight times! — has given George private lessons before. As reported by Hello! Magazine, Federer said:
“At that stage it’s all about just touch the ball, it’s already good. Same with my boys. I think I have a little advantage that I actually spent some time, you know, with him.” He added: “I’m the only player he’s ever met. Then you have a little head start in who is your favourite player.”
It’s still a highlight to see George attend events with his parents, but as the youngster grows up, there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing more of the future king and his growing number of interests.
Did you know Prince George was a fan of tennis? What do you think about his Wimbledon debut with his parents? Let us know, then pass this on so others can witness it too!