How To Get A Seat In The Royal Box For Wimbledon
The oldest and, without doubt, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments, Wimbledon is already drawing huge crowds.
Acquiring seats at one of Wimbledon’s 18 courts is a feat in and of itself, there is one area where seats are coveted above all others. Those in the Royal Box on Centre Court.
The Royal Box usually plays host to a huge number of British royals, from keen tennis fan and player Duchess Kate to her husband Prince William and even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. The Royal Box has also seated many A-listers and VIPs, including the Beckhams, Ant McPartlin and Chris Hemsworth.
Though how do people get seats in the Royal Box, and can us mere mortals even get into those dark green seats with extra padding?
According to official Wimbledon, the Royal Box is used for friends and guests of Wimbledon, as it says on their website: “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”.
The man making the decisions regarding invitations is Philip Brook, Chairman of the All England Club. Mr. Brooks does also take into consideration the suggestions from members of The Championships’ Organising Committee, The Lawn Tennis Association and “other relevant sources”.
Guest who are lucky enough to get a seat a required to dress appropriately, smart dresses with suits or jackets and ties are required for the men and ladies shouldn’t wear hats to ensure they don’t obscure the vision of those behind them.
Seven-time world F1 champion Lewis Hamilton learned this the hard way when he was once denied entry to the Royal Box for inappropriate dress.
Aside from the view, holders of Royal Box tickets are also automatically given an invitation to the Clubhouse for lunch, tea and drinks at the end of the day with the rest of the VIPs and even some royals!