Those sitting in the Royal Box lost their minds just like everyone else inside Wimbledon’s iconic Centre Court as Carlos Alcaraz dethroned Novak Djokovic in the epic gentleman’s final on Monday morning.
The Royal house is normally a scene of stoic class and regality, but Prince George and Princess Charlotte betrayed the family’s hopes of trying to show impartiality as the stadium erupted around them as Alcaraz fell to the floor after winning match point, putting an end to the four hour and 42 minute thriller.
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Princess Catherine, in her role as patron of the All England Club, had the task of presenting the trophies to the new Wimbledon champion and Djokovic, who is a seven-time champion at tennis’ most prestigious tournament.
She also had the difficult task of trying to show decorum before the post-match ceremonies, knowing she would soon have to speak to both players.
Her job was made even more difficult by the one-sided atmosphere inside the stadium with the crowd cheering wildly every time Alcaraz won a point in the nail-biting fifth set.
Any chance of trying to disguise the family’s secret liking of the 20-year-old Spaniard was completely shot to pieces when Prince George and Princess Charlotte roared at the moment Alcaraz won his first Wimbledon title.
They were far from the only ones to have lost the plot as Alcaraz pulled off the upset victory, ending Djokovic’s insane winning streak at the venue where he had not lost since 2017.
Photos from inside the stadium show Alcaraz was a very popular winner.
It didn’t help Djokovic’s standing with the crowd that he blew up at one point in the match, smashing his racquet and arguing with the chair umpire.
He also took an extended bathroom break at the end of the third set, which left some fans booing.
Djokovic also mocked the Wimbledon crowd during his semi-final win over Jannnik Sinner.
It was a perfect storm that resulted in wild support for Alcaraz, who won his second grand slam.
The two royal children in attendance, aged nine and eight, respectively, were expressive throughout the dramatic match as the cameras watched on, frequently gasping or holding their heads in their hands. George wore a navy suit and a striped tie; Charlotte a blue and white dress.
Their father, Prince William, wore a grey blazer with a blue shirt, Kate donned a green dress, matching the grass surface of the Wimbledon court.
The youngest of William and Kate’s children, Prince Louis, was left at home.
“It’s Charlotte’s first time. George came last year,” Kate said, speaking to Wimbledon’s Young People and Families Coordinator, Ella Ottaway.
“They’ve been eagerly watching. Charlotte, you’ve been getting to grips with the scoring, haven’t you?
“Louis was very upset he wasn’t coming today.”
Kate was also present at the women’s final on Saturday, and made an appearance during week one to cheer on Brits Andy Murray and Katie Boulter.
That early visit to the tournament also included a tribute to eight-time champion Roger Federer, who joined Kate in the royal box.
In the women’s final, she watched unseeded player Marketa Vondrousova beat returning finalist Ons Jabeur, and was later seen comforting Jabeur after the presentation.
“She didn’t know if she wants to give me a hug or not. I told her hugs are always welcome from me. That was a very nice moment and she’s always nice to me,” Jabeur said afterwards.
“She encouraged me to be strong, to come back and win a grand slam, win a Wimbledon. Obviously she was very nice.”
Upon arriving at Wimbledon on Sunday, William, Kate, George and Charlotte met with British servicemen and women, tournament staff, and ball boys and ball girls. The two children were given bags as souvenirs.
George and Charlotte stole the show with their expressive reactions after the family took its seats on Centre Court, where Djokovic was seeking an eighth Wimbledon title against the 20-year-old US Open champion.
The royals were joined in the stadium by a long list of high profile celebrities, including actors Brad Pitt, Ian McKellen, Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Emma Watson, Hugh Jackman, Idris Elba, Andrew Garfield, Tom Hiddleston, Lily James and Tessa Thompson. Musicians Cliff Richard, Nick Jonas and Ariana Grande were also there.
