Strict Wimbledon royal box rules explained after Pippa Middleton was refused entry after breaking one

It's clearly not just tennis rackets, balls and all-white outfits seen at Wimbledon Tournaments as the major sporting event attracts a whole bunch of Hollywood A-listers, fellow sporting legends and international royalty alike.

Speaking of royalty, fans of the monarchy are always keen on seeing the Middleton sisters, Kate and Pippa - the latter of which was once refused entry to Wimbledon's Royal Box after breaking a pretty major rule.

But what rule did the 41-year-old socialite break, why was it so serious she wasn't allowed into the private area, and what other rules do such royals need to be mindful of ahead of the next week of sporting events?

Well, let's just say, there are quite a few...

There are a whole load of rules invited guests need to follow to be granted access to the Royal Box (Karwai Tang / Contributor / Getty Images)

Invitation only

Now, it goes without saying but the famed Royal Box, a coveted 74-seat suite inside Centre Court, is strictly invite-only, meaning no tickets are sold to the general public.

Attendance is granted by the All England Club chair based on suggestions from organising committees, the Lawn Tennis Association, and commercial partners.

Those lucky few who make it onto the list include the British royal family.

In addition to the British royals, the official Wimbledon website notes 'overseas royal families are invited as well as heads of government, people from the world of tennis, commercial partners, British armed forces, prominent media organisations, supporters of British tennis, and other walks of life'.

Even Prince George had to wear a suit and tie despite a hot day when he attended his first Wimbledon tournament in 2022! (SEBASTIEN BOZON / Contributor / Getty Images)

Dress code

Blokes are expected to wear a jacket and tie or a full suit, while woman have to follow a 'smart attire' dress-code.

"Ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them," the official website adds.

However, despite such a rule, it's clear some royals wear one anyway, with both Kate and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, wearing one to keep cool in the summer heat.

Meghan was also once refused entry to the Royal Box in 2019 after wearing jeans.

Punctuality

It's also super important to be on time for a match. Pippa and her mother once were denied entry in 2017 for arriving late.

Dress-code and punctuality are very important when it comes to accessing the über exclusive Royal Box (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

On‑court etiquette

Now, historically, players have either bowed or curtsied to those in the Royal Box.

However, after 2003, such a tradition was only reportedly required if the King or Prince of Wales is present during a match.

In terms of hospitality, guests are invited to the Clubhouse for lunch, tea and drinks at the end of the day, as per the official Wimbledon website.