As this year’s Wimbledon Men’s Final drew the royal family out in full display, an old video of Prince George attending the tournament has resurfaced online, reigniting a wave of sympathy from royal fans.
On Sunday, July 13, Prince William and Princess Kate made their way to Centre Court alongside their two eldest children, 11-year-old Prince George and 10-year-old Princess Charlotte, to watch the championship match.
Their youngest son, Prince Louis, aged seven, stayed home, notably younger than his siblings were when they first attended Wimbledon.
However, it wasn’t long before attention drifted from the game itself and toward a resurfaced video from 2022.
In the clip, an eight-year-old Prince George is seen arriving for his first Wimbledon appearance, walking between his parents and quietly murmuring, “It’s too hot.”
Prince William attempts to comfort him, while Princess Kate gently responds with empathy, saying, “You just have to feel for the people sitting in the bright sunshine.”
The moment struck a chord with viewers, especially considering the tournament’s reputation for scorching summer weather.
Despite the extreme heat, George was dressed in a full formal suit and tie following the Royal Box dress code — a choice that many on social media found uncomfortable to witness.
Online response to George’s attire during the heatwave
As the video circulated again amidst the sweltering conditions at this year’s tournament, social media users were quick to voice concern over the formality expected of the young prince.
One commenter remarked, “Maybe let the kid wear summer clothes in the hot sun,” suggesting that the public isn’t demanding royal children be dressed so formally.
Others echoed similar sentiments. “Why does he always have to wear a suit when it’s clearly boiling?” one person asked.
Another added, “Poor lad — a shirt and tie is too much in that kind of heat.”
Many expressed empathy for the pressures placed on children in the royal spotlight, especially when those pressures involve strict dress standards that prioritize tradition over comfort.
The Royal Box at Wimbledon, as it stands, maintains a stringent dress policy.
According to Wimbledon’s official guidelines, men are required to wear suits and ties, and women are expected to opt for formal, stylish clothing.
Even hats, traditionally part of formal British attire, are discouraged to ensure unobstructed views for those seated nearby.
Ongoing debate: Tradition vs. comfort for royal children
The incident has reignited broader discussions around whether such dress codes should apply equally to young royals, particularly during unusually hot weather.
Some fans suggested that a middle ground would be more appropriate, such as allowing George to wear a smart polo shirt and lightweight trousers — still respectful, but far more practical for summer.
Though the moment passed without much fuss at the time in 2022, the resurfaced footage has gained fresh relevance this year, sparking new conversations about the expectations placed on royal children.
Many feel the royal family — and the institutions they participate in — should consider adjusting these expectations to reflect both modern sensibilities and the realities of young children enduring formal events under tough conditions.
In the end, the clip has served as a poignant reminder that even the most composed royal appearances can come with unseen discomforts, especially for those still growing into their public roles.
