July 16, 2025 | London, UK — It was meant to be just another prestigious day at Wimbledon — the world’s most iconic tennis tournament — until one spontaneous moment between a tennis champion and a young royal stole the entire spotlight.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, fresh off his quarterfinal victory, approached the Royal Box during a brief intermission. While all eyes were on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, it was Prince Louis, 7, who became the unlikely center of attention.
With a wide grin and a slight bow, Sinner reached into his tennis bag and handed the young prince a small, wrapped object. Gasps and laughter rippled through the crowd as cameras zoomed in.
What was it?
Not a racket. Not a signed ball.
It was a miniature red-and-green wristband — the very one Sinner had been wearing during the match. Slightly sweat-stained, the band held significance beyond its size: it was the same style he wore during his breakthrough Grand Slam win and has since become something of a good-luck charm.
“For you, future champion,” Sinner was heard saying with a wink.
Prince Louis, visibly delighted, held up the wristband proudly as the crowd erupted into applause. Even Prince William was seen chuckling, while Princess Catherine leaned over to whisper something to her son, who beamed with delight.
Social media quickly exploded with clips and photos, trending under hashtags like #PrinceLouis, #SinnerSurprise, and #RoyalWimbledonMoment. One viral tweet read:
“Jannik Sinner just won Wimbledon AND Prince Louis’s heart in one match.”
Royal commentators were quick to note how rare and genuine the moment felt.
“It’s not every day a world champion bends the rules of protocol to charm a royal,” said royal expert Emily Nash. “But that’s what made it so unforgettable — it was completely spontaneous, and completely human.”
While no official statement has been released from Kensington Palace, sources close to the family say Prince Louis has refused to take off the band since receiving it.
As the tournament continues, one thing is certain:
Wimbledon may crown champions on the court, but in the stands, a 7-year-old prince just walked away with a trophy of his own — in the form of a tennis legend’s unexpected gesture.