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British Royals

The Princess of Wales surprises Arthur Fery as the royals turn out in force for the final day of Wimbledon

The Princess of Wales had a big surprise for Arthur Fery, the new hero of Wimbledon.

The two met as Kate and her family arrived for the last day of this year’s tournament where Fery has become an unexpectd star.

The British wild card got to the semi finals where he was knocked out in straight sets by Alexander Zverev.

The Princess of Wales speaks to Arthur Fery
Andrew Parsons/ Kensington Palace

The Princess of Wales had watched him in the early rounds of the tournament when he was still an unknown and playing on the outside courts.

Now one of the best known faces in the country. Fery was on hand to meet the royals as they prepared to take their seats for the Men’s Singles Final.

And that’s when Kate pulled her surprise.

As she and Arthur started talking, she pulled a card out of her handbag and wished him a Happy Birthday.

Arthur Fery turns 24 on July 12 2026, the Men’s Singles Final Day at this year’s Wimbledon.

Fery, who has won plenty of fans with his constant smile and cheerfulness, took it all in his stride and as he chatted to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, he made a promise he might well be taken up on.

lady Gabriella Kingston, in a green dress, smiles as she watches the Men's Singles Final at Wimbledon with her father, Prince Michael of Kent
Prince Michael of Kent was joined by his daughter, Lady Gabriella Kingston
(Stephen Lock/ i-Images)

The star who has just broken into the top 40 in the world said he’d give the second in line to the throne a game of tennis and George looked thrilled at the idea.

Prince William was also introduced to Fery as the royals mets many of those involved in this year’s championships.

There was another big ovation for the Princess of Wales as she took her seat in the royal box ahead of the game. Kate was cheered in on Saturday when she arrived for the Women’s Singles Final.

Also in the royal box was Prince Michael of Kent, making a rare appearance. He was helped to his seat by his son, Lord Frederick Windsor, and his daughter, Lady Gabriella Kingston, as he negotiated the steep steps with a walking stick.

Prince Michael, who will be 84 next month, is rarely seen in public now. His wife, Mare-Christine, is recuperating after suffering a stroke earlier this year.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.