Topics: Wimbledon, Royal Family, Prince George, UK News, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Princess Charlotte
There is one controversial Wimbledon rule that even royal children like Prince George are not exempt from - and it’s sparked an interesting debate.
If there’s one thing the tennis tournament is known for (except strawberries and cream of course), it’s the very strict dress code regulations.
Wimbledon first began all the way back in 1877, when it was held at the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club.
Since then, it has grown and developed into the highly professional global media tournament it is today, attracting famous faces from all around the world to its famous Royal Box.
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With 47 exclusive seats, the Centre Court suite is an invite-only area, reserved for royals, politicians and world leaders, sportspeople, and of course, celebrities.
However, no matter how famous you are, you simply must abide by the rules when you’re in the box, as some celebs have learned over the years.
In 2015, Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton was reportedly turned away from the prestigious box as he wasn’t wearing a tie, and Meghan Markle was also once told she couldn’t enter as she was wearing jeans.
And it seems that the rules can’t even be bent for royal children, as tennis fans were shocked to see Prince George turn up in a full suit and tie for the men’s singles final on Sunday, despite the weather hitting 30 degrees.
The youngster watched the dramatic match from the Royal Box with his sister Princess Charlotte and parents Kate Middleton and Prince William.
The Wimbledon website explains that the Royal Box protocol is to dress smart - suits, jackets and ties for men.
Meanwhile, ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them.
Discussing George’s attire on social media, royal family fans have expressed sympathy for the 11-year-old having to wear such a warm outfit on a hot day.
One Reddit user wrote: “I really feel for George in that suit. It’s so hot out. Would it really be the end of the world if he was allowed to wear a polo shirt and pressed khaki shorts or something?”
Another said: “Love the pics. Has to suck being in suits during summer. Yikes.”
Others on Twitter added: “Poor kiddo, felt so sorry for him buttoned up in his suit & tie! No wonder he looks in a huff bless him. Nice shirt & some shorts could have done.”
Others chimed in with: “Poor child's roasting alive. I'd be fuming too” and: “Poor kid is wearing a suit in burning weather."
But, someone else on Reddit explained that it’s simply what the dress code requires and it’s also likely to be part of his ‘royal training’.
They wrote: “The dress code requires males in the Royal Box to wear jackets and ties.
“While the rules don’t say how old boys have to be for the rules to apply to them, George also wore a suit and tie there in 2022, when he was only 8.”
They added: “It’s also a pretty common dress code for the circles he will be expected to mix in when older, so I think his parents consider it part of his training.”
Someone else agreed: “To be fair, at George's age, he's wearing a shirt and tie five days a week to school anyway and while I do have unhappy memories of summers in school uniform, you do also get used to it and it is in that sense not an outlandish outfit for a child to wear to a formal event.”
Tyla has contacted Wimbledon for comment.
