David Beckham had spectators in stitches at Wimbledon on Monday as he joined a Mexican wave in the Royal Box, proving the BBC wrong about the exclusive enclave being too posh for such antics. Beckham was seated alongside his mother in the Royal Box on Centre Court, taking a break from the World Cup to watch the first day of the tournament.
Beckham joins wave after BBC commentator's challenge
As Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 and defending champion, battled Miomir Kecmanovic over five sets, the crowd sought entertainment between end changes. A Mexican wave began to ripple around Centre Court, but BBC commentator Andrew Castle noted that it often stalls at the Royal Box. "The wave sometimes dies around about the Royal Box, we can't have that. Keep an eye on them," Castle said. Moments later, Beckham rose to his feet and raised his arms, prompting Castle to exclaim, "Oh that's good."
Beckham, accompanied by his mother Sandra, helped demonstrate that the Royal Box is willing to engage in harmless fun. He was not the only notable figure to participate; the wave swept through the box, with other dignitaries joining in.
Star-studded Royal Box includes Duke of Kent and Mary Berry
In addition to Beckham and his mother, the Royal Box featured the Duke of Kent, television personality Mary Berry, and opera star Katherine Jenkins. Beckham's son Romeo and his girlfriend Kim Turnbull were also in the stands. Interestingly, Beckham sat directly in front of Jenkins, nine years after a leaked email from the ex-England captain criticised her OBE. The 2017 email to his advisor stated: "Katherine Jenkins OBE for what? Singing at the rugby and going to see the troops plus taking coke. F***ing joke." Jenkins later told The Sun in 2018 that she was offended, saying, "I don't know why, again, that was aimed at me. I also don't feel the need to defend this, by the way. I know what I've done and when I got the OBE it was given to me for music and for charity."
Beckham's knighthood and Wimbledon action
Beckham eventually received his knighthood in November 2025 from King Charles, recognising his services to sport and charity. On court, Sinner prevailed over Kecmanovic in a five-set thriller, with the Serbian taking the lead on two occasions before the Italian fought back to win. The match kept the Centre Court crowd engaged, but it was Beckham's playful moment that became a highlight of the day.
