Unusual list of rules Wimbledon spectators must follow after Pippa Middleton was refused entry to royal box
Tennis fans lucky enough to secure a Wimbledon ticket have struck gold but don’t assume that holding a ticket is the hardest part about attending one of the most popular sporting events of the year.
The iconic tournament is renowned for its long list of strict rules and traditions and there are very few exceptions.
Wimbledon 2025 kicked off on 30 June, and, just like previous years, spectators watching from the court and those at home watching on TV can expect to see a number of recognisable faces in the 74-seat Royal Box inside Centre Court.
This exclusive area is not just reserved for royalty despite its name, but it is invitation only at the discretion of the Chairman of the All England Club. Don’t bother trying to find tickets for the Royal Box online.
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The space has been used as a fancy seating area since 1922 for ‘British and overseas Royal Families,’ plus ‘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,’ according to the Wimbledon website.
How strict are the rules at Wimbledon?
Pippa Middleton and her mother Carole were denied the chance to sit in the Royal Box in 2017 when the pair reportedly showed up just a little bit too late to see Andy Murray take on French professional Benoit Paire.
Instead of getting to sit with their fellow famous faces, they were taken to the regular seats, situated behind the box.
And it’s not just the folks in the Royal box that have to abide by strict rules. Here are four more rules for attending Wimbledon.
Banned items
Two items you should leave at home are selfie sticks and hats as officials consider both to be disruptive.
A hat could block another spectator’s view of the excitement unfolding on the court, and selfies could lead to ‘ill-timed crowd movement’, per GB News.
Dress code
The clothing requirements for players is far from relaxed, and while spectators can wear colours other than white, the dress code is smart and almost aristocratic.
As you now know, hats are a no-no, and so are T-shirts, exposed midriffs, jeans, or denim of any sort. You won’t be able to get away with wearing white jeans.
Shorts, leggings, playsuits, miniskirts, and hoodies should be left at home.
Sports shoes, flip-flops and sandals are not preferred, either.
School uniforms are allowed, but sportswear is nor. Children are also expected to dress smart.
Etiquette
Once seated, there are even more rules to follow. Yes, tennis is a sport, but that does not mean spectators can roar or boo at the tennis players.
Silence is encouraged during the match and nobody is able to leave their seat mid-game.
Alcohol
Booze is not forbidden, and each person can bring with them a single 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne, or two 500ml cans of beer.
Topics: News, Sport, Wimbledon, UK News, Royal Family, Celebrity
Greg Harris