On July 13, 2025, the Wimbledon men’s singles final captivated audiences not only with its thrilling tennis but also with a charming moment from the royal family. Among the spectators in the prestigious Royal Box at Centre Court were Prince William, Princess Kate, and their two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. However, it was a subtle exchange between Prince George and his father, the Prince of Wales, that stole the hearts of royal watchers. A lip reader revealed that the young prince used an affectionate, old-fashioned nickname for his father, calling him “Papa” during their time at the iconic tournament. This endearing moment, combined with the family’s warm interactions, painted a picture of a close-knit royal family enjoying a day of sport and tradition.
A Royal Day at Wimbledon
Wimbledon, the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, has long been a highlight of the British royal family’s summer calendar. As the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, Princess Kate plays a prominent role, often presenting trophies to the winners. This year, she was joined by Prince William, Prince George, aged 11, and Princess Charlotte, aged 10, to watch the men’s final between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Italian star Jannik Sinner. The presence of the royal family added a touch of grandeur to the event, with their interactions drawing significant attention from both the media and the public.
The star-studded Royal Box, with its limited 74 seats, is typically reserved for dignitaries, celebrities, and royals, but exceptions are often made for royal children. Prince George, second in line to the throne, and Princess Charlotte have become familiar faces at Wimbledon in recent years. George made his debut in 2022 at the age of eight, while Charlotte first attended in 2023. Their younger brother, seven-year-old Prince Louis, was absent from the 2025 final, likely due to his young age, but his parents ensured he didn’t miss out entirely by securing a signed tennis ball from champion Jannik Sinner. However, it was George’s interaction with his father that became one of the day’s most memorable moments.
The Sweet Nickname: “Papa”
During the match, Prince George was spotted engaging in a conversation with his father, Prince William. According to lip reader Jeremy, as reported by Express.co.uk, the young prince asked, “Papa… is that where the players walk out down there?” William, 43, responded affirmatively, saying, “Yeah, it is yeah.” The use of the term “Papa” by George, who turns 12 on July 22, 2025, struck a chord with royal fans, highlighting the warmth and familiarity within the Wales family. This traditional, affectionate nickname is not new for the royal children. A 2024 Father’s Day social media post from the Prince and Princess of Wales featured a photo of William with his three children, captioned, “We love you, Papa. Happy Father’s Day. G, C and L,” confirming that George, Charlotte, and Louis all use this endearing term for their father.
The revelation of George’s nickname for his father added a personal touch to the family’s public appearance. While Prince William holds numerous titles, including Prince of Wales and future king, the simple moniker “Papa” underscores the close bond he shares with his children. This moment of familial warmth stood out amidst the formalities of Wimbledon, reminding onlookers that, despite their royal status, the Wales family values the same heartfelt connections as any other.
A Family Affair at Centre Court
The 2025 Wimbledon men’s final was a family affair for the Waleses, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte joining their parents to cheer on the players. George, dressed in a smart navy suit and striped tie, and Charlotte, in a bespoke cream dress designed by Sarah Burton for Givenchy, looked polished and engaged as they watched the intense match. The family’s interactions were filled with small, relatable moments, such as George and Charlotte using handheld fans to stay cool in the 27°C heat and sipping water during breaks in play.
Before the match, the royals met with British doubles champions Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, who had made history the previous day as the first all-British duo to win the title since 1936. During this encounter, Cash asked George and Charlotte if they played tennis. Both children nodded, and when asked if they were any good, George humbly replied, “I’m alright,” earning smiles from his parents and the players. This modest response reflected George’s growing confidence in public settings while maintaining a sense of humility, traits that are likely to serve him well as a future king.
Princess Kate also took the opportunity to engage with the doubles champions, marveling at their short time playing together—only ten months—before achieving Wimbledon success. Charlotte, known for her enthusiasm for tennis, responded with an excited “Oh, wow,” while George offered a more reserved “Mmm, nice, yeah.” These interactions showcased the siblings’ distinct personalities, with Charlotte’s exuberance complementing George’s more laid-back demeanor.
Prince George: A Budding Tennis Fan
Prince George’s love for tennis is well-documented. Princess Kate has previously shared that her eldest son has taken lessons with tennis legend Roger Federer, a family friend and one of George’s favorite players. The Wales family has access to a private tennis court at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall, providing ample opportunity for George and his siblings to practice. During the 2025 Wimbledon visit, George’s interest in the sport was evident as he followed the match closely, even displaying a dramatic courtside reaction that went viral on social media. His animated expressions, captured by cameras, resonated with fans, who saw echoes of his father’s and grandmother Princess Diana’s enthusiasm for the tournament.
George’s connection to tennis extends beyond Wimbledon. He frequently accompanies Prince William to soccer matches, supporting Aston Villa, and has shown an interest in other sports like rugby and scuba diving. His self-assessment of being “alright” at tennis suggests a healthy balance of confidence and modesty, qualities that are likely nurtured by his parents as he prepares for his future role in the monarchy.
The Royal Family’s Wimbledon Tradition
Wimbledon holds a special place in the Wales family’s heart, with Princess Kate’s patronage and Prince William’s regular attendance reinforcing their commitment to the sport. Kate, an avid tennis player herself, has played doubles with Roger Federer and British star Emma Raducanu, earning praise for her skills. Her presence at Wimbledon, particularly after her cancer treatment and remission announced in June 2025, was met with a standing ovation from the crowd, a testament to her resilience and popularity.
The 2025 final marked a significant moment for the family, as it was their first official joint appearance at Wimbledon that year. The absence of Prince Louis, who has yet to make his Wimbledon debut, was mitigated by his parents’ thoughtful gesture of securing a signed tennis ball from Jannik Sinner. Kate’s comment, “We brought one for their brother as well,” and William’s playful addition, “Louis would be very upset otherwise,” highlighted their efforts to include their youngest child in the day’s celebrations.
A Heartwarming Glimpse into Royal Life
The revelation of Prince George’s nickname for his father, combined with the family’s interactions at Wimbledon, offered a heartwarming glimpse into their dynamics. Despite their public roles and global scrutiny, the Wales family remains grounded in their affection for one another. George’s use of “Papa” reflects a timeless tradition within the royal family, with Prince William and Prince Harry also referring to their father, King Charles, by the same term. A post on X from user @Diana6197Davis noted the continuity of this nickname across generations, emphasizing its significance within the royal household.
As Prince George grows, his public appearances, such as this one at Wimbledon, provide insight into his developing personality and interests. His humble response to questions about his tennis skills, his engagement with the sport, and his affectionate address to his father all point to a young royal who is both relatable and poised. For royal fans, these moments are a reminder of the human side of the monarchy, where family bonds and small gestures—like a signed tennis ball or a sweet nickname—carry profound meaning.
Looking Forward
The 2025 Wimbledon men’s final was a memorable occasion, not only for Jannik Sinner’s historic victory as the first Italian man to win the singles title but also for the royal family’s heartwarming presence. Prince George’s use of the nickname “Papa” for Prince William, combined with the family’s thoughtful inclusion of Prince Louis, underscored their commitment to maintaining close family ties amidst their public duties. As George and Charlotte continue to grow and take on more public roles, their appearances at events like Wimbledon offer a window into the future of the monarchy—a blend of tradition, warmth, and relatability.
In the years to come, royal watchers can look forward to seeing Prince Louis join his siblings at Wimbledon, perhaps carrying on the tradition of calling his father “Papa” and adding his own spirited charm to the Royal Box. For now, the 2025 tournament will be remembered not only for its sporting triumphs but also for the endearing moments that highlighted the Wales family’s love for each other and the sport of tennis.
