Wimbledon concludes today, and millions of Brits have watched the world's biggest tennis stars both on screen and in real life over the last two weeks. Throughout the tournament, many fans have noticed the Royal Box when watching games on Centre Court, which has seen the likes of Kate Middleton and an array of A-listers in the prestigious suite.
Who Gets Invited to the Royal Box?
The Princess of Wales makes regular appearances due to her role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. Other royalty from across the globe have also been invited, such as Prince Albert of Monaco and King Felipe of Spain. However, it is not just royalty who get to enjoy the matches from the box. Some of the biggest names in politics and sport may also be allowed within this special section. David Beckham has been seen there alongside his mother Sandra Beckham, while Sir David Attenborough has also attended.
Exclusive but Not Impossible
This is not to say that the Royal Box is not a highly exclusive club. For example, Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton was denied entry after an “unfortunate misunderstanding” of the rules. Although it is not just royalty who are allowed tickets, regular members of the public sadly are not, as tickets are instead granted to guests ahead of the tournament’s start. According to Wimbledon’s website, “It’s up to the chairman of the All England Club to distribute invites for the two weeks of athletic competition, with suggestions submitted by members of the Championships’ Organising Committee, the Lawn Tennis Association and other sources.” The box consists of just 74 exclusive seats.
Dress Code and Protocol
It is also important to dress the part when in the Royal Box. There is a “protocol” on Wimbledon’s official website for guests to follow, which involves dressing smartly, no matter the weather. Prince George wore a suit and tie despite the sweltering heat during his first Wimbledon appearance. The website also states that “Ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them.” However, both Kate and Meghan Markle have previously broken this rule.
