Princess Charlotte and Prince George watch Wimbledon on July 16.Photo:Karwai Tang/WireImage
Karwai Tang/WireImage
Prince GeorgeandPrincess CharlottewatchedWimbledonfrom a prime spot that’s typically off-limits to kids.
On Sunday,Prince WilliamandKate Middletonbrought their two eldest children to the final day of the tennis championship at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The Wales family (minusPrince Louis) sat in the front row of theRoyal Boxfor thethrilling men’s singles finalbetween Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, which marked Charlotte’sWimbledon debutand George’ssecond timeat the tournament. While George, 9, and Charlotte, 8, were on theirbest behaviorin the exclusive enclosure, Wimbledon has had a tricky history regarding kids in the Royal Box.
In September 1999,The Guardianreported that Katharine, the Duchess of Kent (who is married toPrince Edward, the Duke of Kent) wanted to invite two young family friends to sit with her in Royal Box at Wimbledon on different days. While the Duchess of Kent’s 10-year-old godson got the green light to join her, organizers said they could not accommodate the 12-year-old son of the Duchess' bereaved friend.
Kate Middleton, Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William attend Wimbledon on July 16.Karwai Tang/WireImage
According to the outlet, Katharine was “deeply hurt” and considered boycotting the Royal Box. John Curry, who then served as chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, offered an apology but stuck to policy, explaining that only royal children were allowed to sit there.
“As happens every year with all our royal guests, I reconfirmed our guidelines concerning the invitation of additional guests and the subject of children. No royal has been limited to one guest in the past or will be in the future,” Curry said in a statement.
“Because of demand for space in the royal box, we also ask that, apart from children of the royal family, children are not invited as they exclude other worthy people from attending, many of whom contribute to tennis,” he added.
Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, presents Venus William with the Ladies Singles trophy at Wimbledon in 2000.Rebecca Naden - PA Images/PA Images via Getty
Rebecca Naden - PA Images/PA Images via Getty
However she may have felt in the moment, Katharine appeared to put the incident behind her. The following year, she presentedVenus Williamswith the women’s singles trophy at Wimbledon — her first Grand Slam victory.
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Prince George and Princess Charlotte aren’t the first royal kids to watch Wimbledon from the Royal Box — Prince William sat in the special space to watch tennis withPrincess Dianain 1991 and 1994.
Princess Diana and Prince William attend Wimbledon in 1991.Rebecca Naden/PA Images via Getty
Rebecca Naden/PA Images via Getty
source: people.com
