Wimbledon is the top event for tennis in the UK and around the world, with Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and more all taking part for 2022.
It attracts thousands of fans yearly, with tens of thousands more watching from home as part of the BBC ’s coverage.
It also brings some exclusive guests to the Royal Box, a mere 74 seat stand that has seen royalty, celebrities and politicians grace the stand.
Getting a ticket is incredibly difficult, so if you are looking to spend a day hobnobbing with the rich and famous, this might not be the most practical way to do it.
Kate Middleton traditionally takes a seat in the stand, though she had to leave early in 2021 due to Covid-19.
How to get a tickets to Royal Box?
Not just anyone can rock up to Wimbledon and sit down in the stand. Officially, it is reserved for royal "friends and guests of Wimbledon".
With just 74 seats to choose from, who gets to sit there is a considered question, as you can’t simply buy a ticket.
It is on an invitation basis only, and come directly from the Chairman of the All England Club, Philip Brook. He takes into account suggestions from members of The Championships’ Organising Committee, The Lawn Tennis Association and other relevant sources.
Who can get a ticket to the Royal Box?
It seems status is key to the Royal Box being unlocked, as it is mainly reserved for top delegates.
As stated on Wimbledon’s website, invitees include "British and overseas royal families, heads of government, people from the world of tennis, commercial partners, British Armed Forces, prominent media organisations, supporters of tennis and other walks of life."
Once you have the invitation, that isn’t the last obstacle though, as you need to make sure to dress appropriately.
Guests, who are invited for lunch, tea and drinks at the end of the day, are required to dress smartly, including suits/jackets and ties. Ladies are asked not to wear hats, as this can obstruct the vision for those sitting behind them.
Lewis Hamilton found this out the hard way, when in 2015 he was denied entry into the box despite having a ticket.
A spokesperson for the Mercedes driver said at the time: "Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding dress code at Wimbledon, Lewis is very disappointed to have missed the men's final."
