The Royal Box at Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious seating areas in sports and is often reserved for an elite group of guests. However, this does not mean that they are allowed to ignore the rules.
Based at Centre Court, the Royal Box, which boasts 74 seats, is an invitation only suite from the Chairman of the All England Club.
The Royal Family gets to sit in the Royal Box, however, despite the name, the suite is not solely reserved for the British Royals.
The world-renowned tennis tournament uses the Royal Box 'for the entertainment of friends and guests of Wimbledon', and has done since 1922.
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You will typically find royals from all around the globe, heads of government, sports stars, commercial partners and British armed forces sat in the best seats in the house.
However, spectators must follow a slew of guidelines and there are no exceptions.
One sports star, who is well known for his bold fashion statements, was denied entry into the Royal Box during Wimbledon 2015. The man we’re talking about is Formula 1 racer and 2025 Met Gala co-chair Sir Lewis Hamilton, who was denied entry ‘due to an unfortunate misunderstanding’ of the rules.
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Men who are invited to the Royal Box must adhere to very strict rules as a smart jacket, tie and shoes are required.
“Lewis arrived and it hadn’t been communicated to him by his assistants that it was a jacket and tie,” said former chief executive of the All England Club Richard Lewis in a statement for Sky Sports News.
“It was all very harmonious and we’ve made it clear to Lewis already that he’d be more than welcome to come back to the Royal Box in the future – and I’m sure he will.”
The rules are so strict that even individuals with direct ties to the Royal Family, like Pippa Middleton, are not granted exceptions.
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Unfortunately for Kate Middleton’s sister, she missed out while attending Wimbledon in 2017 with their mother, Carole Middleton.
The mother and daughter duo were reportedly denied entry to the Royal Box eight years ago as they arrived late.
This is a huge no-no in the eyes of Wimbledon, as there is a strict policy which forbids unpunctual guests from sitting in the seats if they arrive late.
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And just in case you’re wondering, the ‘protocol’ for female guests also calls for ‘smart’ clothing, such as an ‘afternoon dress or elegant trouser suit.’
Plus, hats are banned, as the website states: "Ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them."
Topics: Celebrity, Royal Family, Wimbledon, Fashion, Style
Gregory Robinson