On July 13, 2025, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, attended the Wimbledon men’s singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), continuing her cherished tradition as the patron of the prestigious tournament. Accompanied by her husband, Prince William, and their two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Kate captivated royal fans with her radiant presence and impeccable style. However, it was her heartfelt tribute to her youngest son, Prince Louis, who was notably absent from the event, that stole the spotlight. Through a subtle yet meaningful gesture, Kate ensured that her seven-year-old son, affectionately nicknamed “Lou-bug,” remained close to her heart during the high-profile occasion.

A Royal Tradition at Wimbledon

Kate Middleton, aged 43, has been a steadfast presence at Wimbledon since taking over the patronage of the AELTC in 2016 from the late Queen Elizabeth II, who held the role for 64 years. As patron, Kate’s duties include attending matches, engaging with players, and presenting trophies to the winners and runners-up of the men’s and women’s singles finals. Her love for tennis is well-documented, with the Princess often seen enjoying matches from the Royal Box and even playing the sport herself at the family’s country home, Anmer Hall. Wimbledon is not just a professional commitment for Kate but a personal passion, making her appearances at the tournament a highlight of her summer calendar.

This year, Kate’s attendance at Wimbledon was particularly significant. It marked one of her most high-profile public appearances since announcing in March 2024 that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. Following her remission announcement in January 2025, her return to Wimbledon was met with an emotional standing ovation from the Centre Court crowd, a testament to the public’s admiration and support for her resilience. On July 12, she attended the women’s singles final, presenting the trophy to Iga Swiatek, who defeated Amanda Anisimova in a swift 57-minute match. The following day, Kate returned for the men’s final, where Jannik Sinner faced defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, joined by Prince William, Prince George, 11, and Princess Charlotte, 10.

Prince Louis’s Absence from Wimbledon

While Prince George and Princess Charlotte accompanied their parents to the men’s final, their younger brother, Prince Louis, aged seven, was notably absent. This marked another year that the youngest Wales child missed out on the Wimbledon experience, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by royal fans. Louis, known for his playful antics and expressive nature at public events like Trooping the Colour, has yet to make his Wimbledon debut. In 2023, Kate revealed that Louis was “very upset” about missing the tournament, suggesting his absence may be due to his young age or the strict decorum expected at such events.

According to Wimbledon’s Code of Conduct, “elaborate or distracting behaviour” during matches is grounds for removal, which may explain why the Wales family chose to keep Louis at home. At seven, Louis is younger than his siblings were when they first attended Wimbledon—George was nearly nine in 2022, and Charlotte was eight in 2023. It’s possible that Kate and William felt Louis’s exuberant personality might be too much for the formal setting of the Royal Box, which is typically reserved for a limited number of high-profile guests. Instead, Louis may have spent the day with the family’s nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, or his grandparents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who have been spotted at Wimbledon on several occasions this year.

Despite his absence, Kate ensured that Louis was not forgotten during the family’s Wimbledon outing. Her touching gesture, which captured the hearts of royal watchers, was a poignant reminder of the close bond she shares with her youngest son.

A Heartfelt Tribute to “Lou-bug”

Kate’s tribute to Prince Louis came in the form of a stunning 9ct gold pendant from Daniella Draper, valued at £3,000, which she wore around her neck during the men’s final. The pendant, adorned with gemstones corresponding to April’s birthstone—Louis’s birth month—was a subtle yet deeply personal nod to her youngest child. The Princess, who affectionately calls Louis “Lou-bug,” accessorized her royal blue dress with the pendant, ensuring that he was “there in spirit” despite not being physically present at SW19.

The choice of jewelry was not merely a fashion statement but a reflection of Kate’s devotion as a mother. Royal fans and commentators quickly picked up on the significance of the pendant, with posts on X praising Kate’s “sweet tribute” to her son. The gesture was particularly meaningful given Louis’s absence, which had disappointed some fans who adore his cheeky personality. One X user humorously speculated that Louis was “partying at home” Home Alone-style, while others called for “justice for Prince Louis,” noting his absence from other high-profile events like Taylor Swift’s Wembley concert, which George and Charlotte attended with Prince William.

Kate’s pendant was not the only sentimental accessory she wore at Wimbledon. She also donned her iconic “Wimbledon bow,” a brooch featuring the tournament’s signature purple and green colors. Gifted to her by Queen Elizabeth II, the brooch is a symbol of her patronage and is traditionally worn by members of the AELTC’s Committee of Management. The combination of the birthstone pendant and the Wimbledon bow showcased Kate’s ability to blend personal sentiment with her official duties, creating a look that was both elegant and deeply meaningful.

A Family Affair at Wimbledon

The men’s final was a family affair for the Waleses, with Prince George and Princess Charlotte joining their parents in the Royal Box. The siblings, dressed in coordinating blue and white outfits, were visibly engaged in the match, with Charlotte displaying animated reactions reminiscent of her younger brother’s lively demeanor. At one point, Kate shared a special moment with Charlotte, who beamed and waved to the crowd, echoing her mother’s poise and charm. The family’s color-coordinated ensembles—Kate in a royal blue dress, William and George in navy suits, and Charlotte in a white dress with a blue hair bow—added a touch of unity to their appearance.

After the match, which saw Jannik Sinner defeat Carlos Alcaraz, Kate presented the trophies and engaged in a heartwarming interaction with the players. She requested a third signed tennis ball from Sinner, explaining that it was “one for their brother as well,” ensuring Louis received a memento from the day. This thoughtful gesture further underscored Kate’s commitment to including Louis in the family’s Wimbledon experience, even from afar.

The presence of Prince George and Princess Charlotte also highlighted their growing roles within the royal family. George, who turns 12 on July 22, 2025, and Charlotte, 10, have attended Wimbledon before, with George making his debut in 2022 and Charlotte in 2023. Their appearances reflect Kate and William’s careful approach to introducing their children to public life, balancing exposure with the need to maintain their privacy and normalcy.

Kate’s Resilience and Public Support

Kate’s appearances at Wimbledon came at a significant moment in her personal journey. Her cancer diagnosis in 2024 and subsequent treatment marked a challenging period for the Princess, who stepped back from many public duties to focus on her recovery. Her return to Wimbledon in 2025, just six months after announcing her remission, was a powerful statement of her strength and commitment to her role as a public figure.

The standing ovation she received upon entering the Royal Box on both days of the finals was a testament to the public’s affection and admiration. One spectator’s shout of “we love you, Kate” during the men’s final prompted a warm smile from the Princess, who has been open about the “good days and bad days” of her recovery. Her interactions with players, officials, and young fans, including eight-year-old Lydia Lowe, who performed the coin toss at the women’s wheelchair final, showcased her warmth and approachability.

Lowe, who had overcome a brain injury, offered Kate heartwarming advice before the trophy presentation: “Don’t be nervous.” The exchange, coupled with Kate’s wave to 11-year-old cancer patient Ambrose Caldecott, who performed the coin toss for the men’s final, highlighted her ability to connect with others on a personal level, even amidst her own challenges.

A Mother’s Love Shines Through

Kate’s tribute to Prince Louis at Wimbledon was a poignant reminder of her role as a devoted mother. Whether through a carefully chosen piece of jewelry or a thoughtful request for a signed tennis ball, she ensured that her youngest son was included in the family’s special day. Her actions reflect the Wales family’s commitment to nurturing their children’s individuality while preparing them for their future roles.

As royal fans eagerly await Prince Louis’s Wimbledon debut—potentially next year, when he will be eight, the same age as Charlotte was during her first visit—Kate’s gesture serves as a touching symbol of her unwavering love for her “Lou-bug.” In the midst of her public duties and personal recovery, the Princess of Wales continues to keep her family at the heart of everything she does, proving that even when miles apart, her children are always close to her heart.