Today’s Wimbledon men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios had young Prince George on the edge of his seat as he took in SW19's centre court for the very first time.
Prince George sat between his mum and dad the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for a thrilling four-set match, reported MirrorOnline. He will have left happy too, having revealed earlier that he hoped Novak Djokovic would win. At the end of the match, the Duchess of Cambridge presented the trophies - and even had a chat with the champion.
She is a patron of the All England Club which runs the championships, and also watched yesterday’s ladies final between Ons Jabeur and Elena Rybakina. However she was without her family then as she cheered from the Royal Box with Hollywood royalty instead in the shape of actor Tom Cruise.
Read more: Boris Johnson's North East legacy: 'A story of failure'
Her eldest son George - known to be a keen tennis player who has even had lessons from Roger Federer - had a "special treat" of watching on as the second-most decorated grand slam champion of all time added another title to his record. Ahead of the match Prince George, eight, was introduced to a group of military personnel working as stewards and confirmed to them it was his first time at the world famous tournament.
Mum Kate gently asked him if it was his first time, to which the future king replied: "Yes." George looked suited and booted for the occasion, wearing a smart dark blue suit, which matched his mother's dress. Kate also explained to her eldest how important a role stewards play at the event.
They had met Lt Col Lucy Smith, deputy assistant commissioner Philip Morton, Lt Commander Chris Boucher and Sergeant Jacquie Crook. Kate told George: "They look after everybody to make sure the crowds are safe and happy, doing the right thing, in the right seats, making sure the grounds are safe."
When asked where Princess Charlotte was, Kate replied: "It's George's treat today." George was also asked who he wanted to win today and appeared too shy to answer so William looked at him and whispered: "Djokovic".
The duke added: "We'll see how long it lasts. He'll support the winner."
Afterwards the royals then met Dylan Mulvey, 13, from Wandsworth, who will do the coin toss as well as ball boys and girls Syed Arez, Dior Knorr and Amy Granger. Dylan said afterwards: "I knew I was just going to make my family really proud of me and that it was going to be an amazing experience.
On meeting the royals, he added: "It was good, it was really interesting, nice conversation. They were really nice people."
Amy added: "Seeing the royals has been amazing. It was really cool. I was quite nervous. They were really really nice, asked lots of questions. They asked us about our training and how we had to get to this stage and had we found it fun."
After the match, the couple's official Twitter account said: "Another year, another incredible tournament here @Wimbledon
"Congratulations to @DjokerNole on becoming Men’s singles Champion & to all the players who participated over the past two weeks. Last but not least, to the staff, team & community who make this special event happen."
Future king Prince George is known to be a keen tennis fan and has been having lessons on the court since he was five. Roger Federer - eight time king of Wimbledon - previously revealed he has given Prince George private lessons - and the youngster has talent with a racquet.
He said: "At that stage it's all about just touch the ball, it's already good." Kate seemed to enjoy finals day at the Championships on Saturday as, ahead of the action, she met with future stars of tomorrow as well as those who work behind the scenes of the tournament.
Earlier this week the couple were seen on No 1. Court cheering on Cameron Norrie in his quarter final victory over Belgian David Goffin. During the tense match Prince William seemed to be caught on camera swearing as a point for the Brit went awry.
Viewers claimed they saw him saying “no, no, no, f***' in the crowd. As Norrie was seen wheeling away in frustration after slipping up in his own service game, the BBC coverage cut to an equally frustrated Duke.
He shook his head from side to side before seemingly uttering the expletive as he straightened his tie. South Africa-born Norrie dug deep to come from behind and eventually beat his opponent and set up a semi-final meeting with World No3 Novak Djokovic.
READ NEXT:
- Newcastle Infected Blood campaigner gives harrowing evidence at public inquiry
- 'I gave blood for the first time - it was so easy I can't believe I haven't done it before'
- Blood donors in Newcastle urgently needed as blood stocks fall to ‘vulnerable’ levels
- 'Bad health has doubled' in the last decade across North East - and almost half of people report struggling to get GP appointments
- Ambulance service pays tribute to staff hailing from Australia to Alnwick on International Paramedics Day
