16 July 2023 , 17:42
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Prince George and Princess Charlotte are enjoying a Centre Court five-set epic but they've broken a strict Wimbledon rule in the process.
The youngsters and their parents are watching Carlos Alcaraz take on mighty Novak Djokovic in the men's final and it's sure to be a five-hour classic.
But they're not supposed to be there - and many have been quick to pick up on it at home.
Kids can attend the showcourts provided they stay quiet, but they are usually banned from the Royal Box.
The no children rule is a firm one, and has always been enforced - but for a few years now, an exception has been made for Royals.
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Princess Charlotte and Prince George are bending the rules! (AP)They had better keep it a secret from Prince Louis when they finally get in, the five-year-old was not at all pleased that he was left at home while his family enjoyed their day at SW19.
Speaking to Ella Ottaway, Children, Young People and Families Coordinator at Wimbledon, their mother Kate said: “It’s Charlotte’s first time, George came last year.
“They’ve been eagerly watching. Charlotte you’ve been getting to grips with the scoring haven’t you.
“Louis was very upset he wasn’t coming today.”
They've been very well behaved so far despite the very long match (WireImage)It's not the first time the rules have been bent after George watched last year's final between Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios.
He broke another rule that day - by declaring his support for the Serb.
Speaking to host Pandora Forsyth, royal correspondent Richard Palmer said: "Somebody shouted out to George about who he wanted to win [the match].
"He [George] appears to say he wanted Djokovic to win."
It is well documented that in many areas, particularly politics, the royals have to hold a neutral stance, and it appears that their opinions at sports matches uphold the same rule.
Fans have loved their passion from the Royal Box (Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)Mr Palmer added that, as royals, they "aren't supposed to really do that".
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Youngsters are not allowed to sit in the Royal Box under any circumstances – a rule that is said to have ruffled feathers in the past.
Back in 1999, it was widely reported that the Duchess of Kent had asked the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club if she could invite a 12-year-old guest to sit with her. The boy was the son of the Duchess' late friend, and she had hoped to give the grieving child a special day.
However her request was denied, and she was instead offered alternative seats outside the Royal Box.
Then club chairman John Curry said in a statement: "Because of demand for space in the royal box, we also ask that, apart from children of the royal family, children are not invited as they exclude other worthy people from attending, many of whom contribute to tennis."
Wearing a blue dress, Charlotte held Kate’s hand and walked ahead of George and William to reach the Players’ Lawn upon arriving at SW19 around noon.
They greeted Wimbledon staff, police dog Stella and British wheelchair doubles’ champion Gordon Reid.