Prince George, the 12-year-old eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales, attended the Wimbledon gentlemen's singles final on Sunday, July 12, 2026, dressed in a dark navy suit, crisp white shirt, and striped tie, despite temperatures reaching 29°C in South West London. He was accompanied by his parents, Prince William and Princess Kate, and his sister, Princess Charlotte, as they watched Jannik Sinner face Alexander Zverev from the Royal Box.
Strict Dress Code for the Royal Box
The reason for the young prince's formal attire lies in the strict dress code enforced at the Royal Box. According to the Wimbledon website, the protocol requires 'smart' dress, specifically 'suits/jacket and tie' for men. Ladies are asked not to wear hats to avoid obstructing the view of those seated behind them. Invitations to the Royal Box come directly from the chair of the All England Club, and guests are expected to adhere to these guidelines.
This dress code explains why Prince George, despite his age, wore a layered suit in the heat. The rule applies to all male guests, regardless of age or status. Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, once had to sit elsewhere because she wore jeans to the event, a violation of the Royal Box dress code.
Exceptions and Flexibility
While the dress code is strict, there have been some exceptions. Children are typically not allowed in the Royal Box, but Prince George and Princess Charlotte were permitted to attend. Additionally, hats are generally prohibited, but in recent years, as temperatures have soared during Wimbledon, the rule has been relaxed slightly to allow hats for sun protection.
The UK is experiencing a record-breaking hot summer, and Wimbledon has been hit with high temperatures. Despite the heat, the royal family adhered to the dress code, demonstrating their commitment to protocol.
