Kate Middleton Surprises British Tennis Star Arthur Fery with a Card in Sweet Wimbledon Moment Marking His 24th Birthday

NEED TO KNOW

Kate Middleton, 44, surprised British tennis player Arthur Fery with a birthday card during Wimbledon's men's final on Sunday, July 12

The Princess of Wales praised Fery's performance during the semi-finals on Friday, June 10, and said he did a "fantastic job"

Fery, who turned 24 on Sunday, also offered to play tennis with Kate and William's children, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 11

Kate Middleton is wishing rising tennis star Arthur Fery a happy 24th birthday!

The royal, 44, attended the men's final with her husband, Prince William, also 44, and their children, Prince George, 12, and Princess Charlotte, 11, on Sunday, July 12.

And prior to the game, the Princess of Wales and her kids met semi-finalist Fery and sweetly presented him with the birthday card.

In a clip posted by Sky News, she said: "This is for you, happy birthday," before introducing Fery to her eldest son, George, second in line to the throne, and Charlotte.

Wildcard Fery's Wimbledon dreams came to an end after Alexander Zverev beat him 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Friday, June 10.

However, despite him not making the final, Kate praised Fery for his performance and said he did a "fantastic job" during the tournament, adding: "Honestly, really well done."

The Princess of Wales then asked Fery if he felt under pressure on Wimbledon's show courts, to which Fery replied: "A little nervous, definitely. But once I was out there, it was fine. I got some time to relax and play tennis."

"I hear your children play tennis," Fery then asked Kate, adding: "If you guys want to hit some balls any time, just let me know; that would be great."

"Thank you," the Princess of Wales replied.

Kate appeared in high spirits at the event in a chic, sage green cape dress by Emilia Wickstead while Charlotte wore a royal blue sundress. Meanwhile, William and George looked dapper in matching dark blue suits and ties, with all the family sticking to the Royal Box's dress code despite the scorching temperatures.

As Princess Kate is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, she had the important role of presenting the trophies at the end of the game, which saw Jannik Sinner retain his men's singles title.

The late Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the patronage upon keen tennis fan Kate in 2016.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

George and Charlotte have accompanied their parents to Wimbledon for a few years now; Prince George made his debut in Centre Court's royal box in July 2022, when he was 8 years old and watched the men's singles final with his mom and dad.

The following summer, Princess Charlotte attended for the first time, when she was also 8. The young royal also had a girls' day out at Wimbledon with her mom and aunt Pippa Middleton at the men's singles final in July 2024, where the Princess of Wales was greeted with a standing ovation amid her treatment for cancer.

Last summer, Princess Kate made Wimbledon's men's singles finals a family affair again and brought Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte with her.

Click here to read article