Hollywood icon Matthew McConaughey made a surprising gesture to Princess Kate and her husband Prince William as they arrived in the Royal Box at Wimbledon yesterday (July 13) – and was hailed a “southern gentleman” for it. The Prince and Princess of Wales arrived in time to see Jannik Sinner lift the trophy on the final day of the tennis, in a fraught match against Carlos Alcaraz.

Video footage captured William and Kate, along with their children Princess Charlotte and Prince George, making their way through the crowds, with Kate looking incredible in a royal blue gown and William in a blue and white double-breasted suit. They shook hands with a few attendees, while Matthew was spotted in the background.

As the royal couple descended the stairs, Matthew could be seen standing up in his seat as a sign of respect, while others around him remained sitting down. The moment caught the attention of fans on X, with one tweeting: “Matthew McConaughey standing to applaud the Prince & Princess of Wales. What a lovely southern gentleman.”

Somebody else echoed: “Real class!” While another posted: “[Kate’s] looking lovely, as she did yesterday as well. And the applause for her is well deserved. People genuinely wish her well, after what she's been through.”

“Matthew was raised right. Always something I have admired,” another fan posted. Others were surprised that an American would know to stand for the monarchy – but loved the act.

Joining Matthew in the Royal Box were stars including Paul Mescal, Nicole Kidman and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Keira Knightley joined Andrew Scott, while Vogue editor Anna Wintour was also seen rubbing shoulders with fellow A-listers.

Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy was also in attendance with his wife Lady Sarra Hoy, after being diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer last year.