lthough Prince Louis has yet to make his Wimbledon debut like his older siblings, the young royal already has a special connection to the iconic tournament, and it comes in the form of a one-of-a-kind gift from tennis legend Stan Smith.

Back in July 2019, when Louis was just over a year old, his mother, Kate Middleton, was in the Royal Box at SW19 during the Men’s Singles Final.

It was there that Smith, the 1972 Wimbledon champion and namesake of the iconic Adidas sneaker, presented her with a gift.

Prince Louis receives gift from Wimbledon icon

Stan Smith gifted the little royal a baby-sized pair of his signature trainers, signed with a personal message for Louis.

They were described as a “priceless” keepsake by those close to the royals and have since become one of Louis’ early ties to the world of tennis.

“I saw photographs of the Duchess of Cambridge wearing the shoe, and I once had the chance to chat to her at Wimbledon,” Smith told GQ in 2021. “I actually gave some shoes to the Duke and Duchess for George, Charlotte, and Louis.

“I presented a shoe to her at the Wimbledon tournament a few years back. I gave Prince Louis a baby-sized Stan which said, ‘To Louis from Stan Smith’ on it.”

Louis’s cousin, Prince Archie, was also gifted a pair. Smith said he received a letter of thanks confirming the present had reached the Sussexes.

“And, interestingly, I’ve always heard that [Queen Elizabeth] has to approve all gifts. So that makes it royally approved by Her Majesty,” Smith quipped.

While Louis hasn’t yet joined his parents and siblings in the Royal Box, his interest in tennis is well known.

In 2023, Kate shared that her youngest son has already taken an interest in the sport. He reportedly even mimics the Wimbledon ball boys in their garden at home.

Royals at Wimbledon

As royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Kate is a regular fixture at Wimbledon.

She is passionate about instilling a love of the game in her children.

“George is playing. They’re all playing. Even Louis,” she said in 2022. “They’re all keen.”

Prince George and Princess Charlotte have each attended matches in recent years, sitting alongside their parents and meeting players.

George, in particular, joined Kate for his first Wimbledon appearance in 2022 to watch the Men’s Final.

With Louis now seven and showing an early enthusiasm for sport, it’s only a matter of time before he makes his long-awaited debut at the tournament. If his cheeky charm at past public events is anything to go by, he’s sure to be a hit.

Meanwhile, royal fans are waiting in anticipation to see whether Kate will return to Wimbledon this year.

The Princess of Wales has been gradually returning to royal duties after her cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy. Last year, Kate stayed largely out of the spotlight to focus on her health and family. However, she did make a surprise appearance at Wimbledon, earning herself a standing ovation.

Fans are hopeful she’ll attend again this year after missing Royal Ascot last month.