Princess Beatrice in the Royal Box at Centre Court on day ten of Wimbledon (John Walton/PA)
(Picture: PA Archive)Wimbledon 2022 is well underway, with some of the tennis world’s top aces already knocked out, including Andy Murray, and Emma Raducanu.
The annual tournament is one of the leading and most prestigious events in the world’s sporting calendar, and, with such renown, it’s no surprise it attracts both lovers of the sport and members of the world’s royal families.
The Royal Box sits at the baseline of the Centre Court, and it offers some of the best views of the action in the entire stadium.
Whether you attend in person, or, watch from the comfort of your own home, it’s likely you will spot at least one royal, or, get an invitation to sit in the Royal Box at Wimbledon.
But, what is the Royal Box, and who is allowed to sit in it? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Royal Box at Wimbledon?
The Royal Box was first introduced in 1922, as a place for the royal family to entertain other foreign dignitaries, members of the armed forces, and celebrities, as they watched the world’s top tennis players.
It features 74 Lloyd Loom chairs, which are all dark green and made of wicker. Dress is smart, with a suit, jacket and tie suggested for men, while ladies are encouraged not to wear hats, in order not to obscure the view of those in seats behind them.
Who is allowed to sit in the Royal Box at Wimbledon?
You might be inclined to think that it’s the Queen who’s allowed to choose who sits in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, but it’s actually the chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC), who gives out the invitations.
The chairman receives invitations from the champion’s organising committee, The Lawn Tennis Association, and other sources to form an extremely exclusive guest list.
British and 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 including celebrities.
Guests in the Royal Box are given access to the clubhouse for refreshments, as well as lunch, and are treated to goody bags at their seat.
There is even a flat-screen TV built into the balcony, in order to ensure that guests don’t miss any of the critical action.
It is not possible to pay for a seat in the Royal Box, as it’s by invitation only.
Who is in the Royal Box today?
There are two members of the royal family in the box today: HRH Princess Michael of Kent, and HRH The Duchess of Gloucester.
They are joined by Swarovski chairman Helmut Swarovski, the Earl of St Andrews, and his daughter, Lady Marina Windsor. Elsewhere in the box is composer Andrew Lloyd Webber; London Fire Brigade commissioner Andy Roe; golfer Justin Rose; and Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins.
