Securing a seat in Wimbledon’s Royal Box is one of the most prized experiences in the world of sport, drawing numerous celebrities, dignitaries, and notable figures year after year. As the prestigious tennis championship progresses, the allure of the Royal Box becomes increasingly pronounced—especially as the world’s top players, including Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, and Carlos Alcaraz, approach the climax of the tournament.
The Royal Box, which has been an iconic feature of Centre Court since 1922, offers space for only 74 distinguished guests on any given day. However, gaining entry is not a matter of simply purchasing a ticket or pulling rank; rather, it demands an exclusive invitation. The box is a familiar haunt for royalty, former champions, top-tier celebrities, members of the military and diplomatic corps, and those with deep ties to the world of tennis. Over the years, luminaries such as David Beckham, Tom Cruise, and former presidents of the United States have enjoyed the best view in the house—outshining even the tennis action itself at times.
This year, the Royal Box has once again been a focal point of glitz and glamour. From eight-time singles champion Roger Federer to England cricket stalwart Jimmy Anderson, Hollywood star Andrew Garfield, and celebrated singer Olivia Rodrigo, an eclectic mix of legendary personalities and rising stars have found themselves rub shoulders whilst savouring world-class competition.
Many would assume the selection process for the Royal Box is managed directly by the royal household, but, intriguingly, that is not the case. In reality, the final say rests with Deborah Jevans, the chair of the All England Club. Recommendations for guests are also gathered from the Championships’ Organising Committee, The Lawn Tennis Association, and select affiliated bodies, highlighting a collaborative effort to curate the guest list, according to Wimbledon’s official site.
Aside from providing prime seats for the day’s matches, Royal Box hospitality extends to lunch, afternoon tea, and drinks at the prestigious Wimbledon clubhouse. Protocol, as might be expected, looms large: gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie, while women must opt for formal attire. Hats, although stylish, are generally discouraged as a courtesy to those sitting behind.
Wimbledon’s famed standards are enforced without exception, as evidenced by the high-profile faux pas of Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton in 2015. Hamilton missed the much-anticipated men’s final after being denied entry due to an attire misunderstanding—a sobering reminder that even global champions are not above the rules of SW19. Similarly, in 2017, Pippa Middleton, sister of the Princess of Wales, arrived late and had to forgo the Royal Box in favour of ordinary seats.
Over time, some of the Royal Box’s older traditions have relaxed. Notably, the requirement for players to bow or curtsy to any member of the royal family present in the box was dropped in 2003, following guidance from Prince Edward. However, an important exception remains: players continue to show their respects by bowing in the unlikely event that King Charles III or Prince William attend a match.
Behavioural expectations are not limited to players and attendees. The All England Club has maintained a strict code of conduct to preserve its standards of decorum. In 2017, the tournament made headlines for banning Ilie Nastase, a former world No. 1, as a consequence of inappropriate comments at the Fed Cup earlier that year.
Thus, the mystique surrounding the Royal Box is underpinned not only by the prominent individuals it attracts, but also by its well-guarded traditions and exclusivity. For tennis fans and those on the world stage, an invitation to the Royal Box is a symbol of recognition and honour, cherished as much for its pageantry as for its unparalleled view of tennis history in the making.
As the tournament draws to its conclusion, attention will not only be focused on the Centre Court battles but also on the glittering ensemble occupying the Royal Box—reminding all why this piece of Wimbledon tradition endures as an emblem of British sporting and social culture.