Arthur Fery, the British tennis star who recently made headlines by reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon, had a memorable encounter with Prince George and Princess Charlotte during the men’s finals held on 12 July. The young royals, accompanied by their mother, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, met the 24-year-old athlete just before the match commenced.
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In a light-hearted exchange, Fery invited Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 11, to enjoy a game of tennis with him in the future, knowing that the royal family has a penchant for the sport. “If you guys want to hit some balls sometime, that would be great,” Fery said, to which Kate responded with a courteous “Thank you.” This friendly gesture shows the sportsmanship and camaraderie often found within the tennis community.
Fery, who celebrated his 24th birthday on the same day, expressed his enthusiasm after the encounter, highlighting the family’s passion for tennis. “I know the whole family are all tennis fans,” he remarked, following his meeting with the royals, as reported by the BBC. When asked if he believes Kate would reach out to organize a game, he playfully stated, “Let’s see, I don’t know. Let’s see if I get the call up.”
During their brief interaction, Kate congratulated Fery on his impressive performance at Wimbledon. She also inquired about the pressure he faced in his first semi-final match, showing her support and interest in his athletic journey. In the spirit of celebration, she presented Fery with a birthday card from the royal family, adding a personal touch to their meeting.
While the prospect of Prince George playing tennis with Fery is exciting, it wouldn’t be the first time the young royal has engaged with a professional player. In 2019, Kate discussed George’s growing interest in tennis while speaking with notable players Katie Boulter and Anne Keothavong on a social media show surrounding Wimbledon events. The young prince has previously had the chance to hit tennis balls with his idol, Roger Federer, a testament to his budding enthusiasm for the sport.
The royal family’s affection for tennis is well-documented. Both Kate and her husband, Prince William, are known for attending Wimbledon regularly, with the Princess of Wales serving as Patron of the All England Club. Their dedication to the sport is evident in their recreational activities at home in Norfolk, where they have their very own tennis court at Anmer Hall.
In a previous documentary, Kate articulated her deep-rooted passion for tennis, describing it as a quintessential part of the English summer. She reminisced about her fond memories of watching legends such as Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, and Steffi Graf, which further emphasises the significant connection her family has with the sport.
The royal family received rousing applause when they took their seats in the prestigious Royal Box during the men’s finals. The audience included a star-studded line-up of celebrities, such as Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman, and Jennifer Lopez, adding to the illustrious atmosphere of the event.
As the summer unfolds, it appears that George and Charlotte are likely to have an enjoyable season filled with sporting activities, further nurturing their familial connection to tennis and perhaps even seizing the opportunity to practice with Arthur Fery, a rising star in British tennis.