How do you get a place in the prestigious Wimbledon Royal Box?
How do you get a place in the prestigious Wimbledon Royal Box? And what are strict do’s and don’ts?
Wimbledon is on its way and with thousands expected to attend the event, the Royal Box will be filled with the British elite – and even royalty.
Britain’s top tennis event attracts thousands of viewers from home, but only 74 guests can enjoy the view from Center Court.
The Royal Box was established in 1922 and has been used to entertain friends from Wimbledon ever since.
A frequent visitor to the prestigious box is Kate Middleton who sat down next to former champion Roger Federer yesterday.
But how do you get to Wimbledon’s Royal Box? And what are the rules of the renowned lookout?
The Princess of Wales shines from the Royal Box with tennis legend Roger Federer as she enjoys The Championships
David Beckham and his mother Sandra Beckham enjoy the Royal Box on day three of Wimbledon 2023
How To Attend Wimbledon Royal Box
Unfortunately, not all tennis fans will have the opportunity to watch from the box, as the event is by invitation only.
You must be personally welcomed by the President of the All England Club before witnessing the iconic green.
In deciding who to invite, the chairperson takes into account suggestions from members of the championship organizing committee, the Lawn Tennis Association and “other relevant sources.”
British and Overseas Royal Families are welcome, as are members of the British Armed Forces; Invitations are also being sent to government leaders around the world.
Big names from the tennis world are also invited, as well as commercial partners, prominent media organizations and supporters of the sport of tennis.
One of the big names this year was the Princess of Wales, who sat alongside eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer.
The tennis legend’s father, Robbie Federer, and his wife, Mirka Federer, were also in attendance.
Former Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha Cameron also enjoyed the view from the best seats in the house.
Samantha and David Cameron sat down in the Royal Box to watch the first round match between Shelby Rogers of USA and Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan
Samantha Cameron, known to many by her nickname ‘Sam-Cam’, is a fashion designer who owns the luxury brand Cefinn
What are the do’s and don’ts of the Royal Box?
Wimbledon is proud of its tradition and therefore guests of the esteemed tournament must adhere to protocol.
All lucky guests will be invited to the clubhouse for a choice of lunch, tea and post-match drinks.
Guests should dress smartly and men are advised to wear a suit or jacket and tie, while women should wear formal and modest dress.
Unlike other established events, such as the Royal Ascot, women are asked not to wear hats so as not to obstruct the view of tennis matches.
It doesn’t matter how famous or impressive a person attending the event will be turned away from the Royal Box if they don’t follow the dress code.
It is known that Lewis Hamilton was sent away from the Royal Box in 2015 for not wearing a jacket and tie.
Instead, he showed up in a flora shirt, camel-colored suede shoes, and a hat.
A spokesman for Hamilton said at the time: “Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding about the dress code at Wimbledon, Lewis is very disappointed to have missed the men’s final.”
A Wimbledon spokesperson commented: ‘If he wasn’t adequately dressed you could conclude he wouldn’t have been let in, but we don’t comment on our guests.