Prince George and Princess Charlotte joined Prince William and Princess Catherine for the men’s singles final at Wimbledon on 12 July, offering a relaxed snapshot of family life just before a major change. George turns 13 on 22 July and is due to start at Eton in September, a move that will alter the daily rhythm for the Wales family. According to Hello Magazine, that timing gives this summer unusual importance, with more space for private family time before George begins full-time boarding close to Windsor.
Prince George’s Eton Start Marks a New Phase
George’s move is not a dramatic separation in distance, but it is still a major family milestone. Royal author Simon Vigar said according to Hello Magazine, "George is about to become a teenager, so it's a huge moment for them as parents. And he is, of course, heading off to boarding school in September." The Prince and Princess of Wales have long tried to give George, Charlotte and Prince Louis a grounded childhood. That goal now meets a new reality, as their eldest son prepares for a more structured school life.
Princess Charlotte Shares Easy Wimbledon Bond
The occasion also put George and Charlotte’s sibling dynamic in clear view. They arrived polished for the Royal Box, followed their parents through greetings with players and officials, and shared light moments during the match. Catherine also brought a birthday card for British player Arthur Fery and told him, "This is for you. Happy birthday," she said according to Hello Magazine. Later, Jannik Sinner met the family after his win, and George answered confidently when asked if he still played tennis: "Yeah, very much so."
Prince Louis Stays Off Court but Close to Mind
Prince Louis did not attend the final, with the nearly four-hour match and summer heat making it a long day for the eight-year-old. Still, he was part of the family conversation around tennis. Before the ladies’ final, Catherine spoke with court coverer Jenna Fontanilla about Louis’s wish to be a ball boy one day. Away from the cameras, Louis had already enjoyed a separate outing with his mother and Charlotte at Opera Holland Park, where they watched Royal Ballet School students perform during the school’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
Prince William and Catherine Plan a Sport-Filled Break
The weeks ahead are likely to center on Norfolk, Balmoral and time outdoors, with tennis, sailing, cycling and beach trips all part of the family’s usual summer pattern. There is also a chance of a public appearance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, though much of the school holiday is expected to stay private. George’s next chapter gives these weeks added meaning. For William and Catherine, the balance is clear: public duty when needed, and as much ordinary family time as possible before September changes the household routine.
