RF. Why Didn’t Prince Louis Join Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Wimbledon?

The Wimbledon Championships are a highlight of the British summer season, and each year, the royal family’s presence at the prestigious tournament draws considerable public interest. In 2025, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, brought along their two eldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, to watch the gentlemen’s singles final at Wimbledon. However, the youngest Wales sibling, Prince Louis, was noticeably absent from the event, sparking curiosity about his whereabouts.

While the family of five is often seen together at significant royal occasions, it’s not uncommon for Prince Louis to miss certain public events due to his age. His absence at Wimbledon is both typical and appropriate based on past royal patterns and the expectations surrounding attendance at high-profile venues like Centre Court.

A Royal Family Tradition at Wimbledon

The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, home of the Wimbledon Championships, has long been associated with the British royal family. Queen Elizabeth II served as patron of the club until 2016, when the role was passed on to Princess Kate. Since then, the Princess of Wales has regularly attended matches and presented trophies to winners at the end of the tournament.

In recent years, the tradition has expanded to include her children. Prince George made his Wimbledon debut in 2022, watching the men’s final with his parents. He was eight years old at the time, just shy of his ninth birthday. Princess Charlotte attended for the first time in 2023, also at age eight.

The 2025 Wimbledon final was the first time both George and Charlotte were seen together in the Royal Box at Centre Court, seated alongside their parents. However, Prince Louis, who is currently seven years old, did not join the outing—marking a clear pattern followed by his older siblings, who each debuted at age eight or older.

Why Prince Louis Didn’t Attend Wimbledon in 2025

Prince Louis, the youngest child of the Prince and Princess of Wales, may not have reached the age typically considered suitable for extended formal engagements such as a full day at Wimbledon. The Royal Box at Centre Court is by invitation only and usually reserved for distinguished guests, with only 74 seats available. While exceptions are made for royal children, there appears to be an unwritten precedent that children under the age of eight do not attend.

According to prior royal outings, children are gradually introduced to major public events when they are developmentally ready to participate for extended periods, understand the formality of the occasion, and follow protocol. Prince Louis’s past appearances—though always charming—have also highlighted his energetic and playful nature, which might make lengthy engagements like Wimbledon less suitable at this time.

Who Was Likely Caring for Prince Louis?

While Kensington Palace did not release an official statement about Prince Louis’s whereabouts during the Wimbledon final, he likely remained at home in Windsor or was under the care of close family members.

Louis is known to have a close relationship with his maternal grandparents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who frequently assist with childcare. The Prince and Princess of Wales have also long employed Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, a professionally trained Norland nanny who has supported the family since George was a baby. Either or both were likely watching over Louis while his family attended Wimbledon.

Louis’s affection for his grandparents was highlighted during the 2024 “Together at Christmas” carol service, where his handwritten note on the “Kindness Tree” thanked “Granny and Grandpa” for playing games with him—a simple but sweet indication of their strong bond.

Prince Louis’s Previous Public Appearances

Despite his absence at Wimbledon, Prince Louis has participated in numerous high-profile events throughout his young life. He was widely seen during Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, when he joined his siblings and parents on the Buckingham Palace balcony. His animated expressions captured during the flypast were widely shared and warmly received by the public.

He also attended the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023, where he was photographed alongside the royal family during the formal procession and balcony appearance. Most recently, in June 2025, Louis delighted crowds at Trooping the Colour, the King’s official birthday parade. Riding in a carriage with his mother and siblings, Louis waved enthusiastically to spectators, once again capturing public affection.

These events demonstrate that Prince Louis is gradually being introduced to public royal life, with appearances tailored to suit his age and comfort level.

The Princess of Wales’s Ongoing Role at Wimbledon

As patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Princess Kate plays a central role in Wimbledon each year. Since being granted the position by Queen Elizabeth II in 2016, she has presented trophies to the winners and is considered a passionate supporter of tennis.

In 2025, her attendance at the gentlemen’s singles final continued this tradition. The event marked her first major public outing at Wimbledon since temporarily stepping back from royal duties earlier in the year for health-related reasons. Her presence was widely welcomed by spectators and tennis fans alike.

Princess Kate’s fashion choices and demeanor at Wimbledon also receive considerable attention. In 2025, she arrived in a classic ensemble alongside her husband and children, underscoring her enduring popularity and commitment to both royal duty and personal causes.

Building Public Engagement for Royal Children

The appearance of Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Wimbledon reflects a growing effort by the royal family to gradually introduce younger royals to the public stage. Their increasing visibility aligns with their positions in the line of succession and helps prepare them for future royal roles.

Prince George, second in line to the throne, has accompanied his parents to a variety of official events, including Trooping the Colour, Easter services at St George’s Chapel, and even international tours. Princess Charlotte, who is third in line, has also joined the family for similar occasions, often impressing royal watchers with her poise.

These carefully planned public engagements aim to balance exposure with age-appropriate participation—ensuring that royal children have positive, manageable experiences as they grow into their roles.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Decision

While Prince Louis did not attend the 2025 Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles final, his absence aligns with past royal practices and age considerations. At just seven years old, he is still younger than his siblings were at their Wimbledon debuts, and his attendance at other formal events shows that his public role is gradually expanding.

The decision to bring only Prince George and Princess Charlotte reflects a thoughtful and age-sensitive approach by the Prince and Princess of Wales, allowing their children to enjoy important cultural and royal experiences at the right time.

As Prince Louis grows older, royal fans can expect to see him participate more regularly in major public events—including, perhaps, a future seat in the Royal Box at Centre Court.