Sunshine, strawberries and cream, and a glass of Pimms – these iconic elements mark the return of Wimbledon, the prestigious London-based tennis tournament that’s now in full swing.

As the championship gets underway, celebrities have been turning up in droves, particularly in the exclusive Royal Box.

What Is the Royal Box?

For those unfamiliar, the Royal Box has served as a hospitality suite for Wimbledon’s distinguished guests since 1922. The invite-only section hosts members of the British and foreign royal families, heads of state, key figures in tennis, prominent media representatives, commercial partners, and notable supporters of British tennis.

This year’s guest list has already included big names such as pop star Olivia Rodrigo, Olympic diver Tom Daley, Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, and Princess Beatrice, all spotted enjoying matches from the best seats in the house.

But being a celebrity doesn’t exempt anyone from Wimbledon’s strict guidelines. Over the years, several high-profile individuals have been denied access to the Royal Box for breaking its well-defined rules.

Back in 2015, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton missed the final match between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer—not because of traffic, but because of his outfit. Despite his status, he was refused entry to the Royal Box for failing to wear a tie, as required by the official dress code. According to the Wimbledon website, gentlemen in the Royal Box must be dressed in suits with ties. To make matters worse, Hamilton also arrived late, sealing his fate for the day.

Pippa Middleton’s Late Arrival

In 2017, Pippa Middleton, sister to the Princess of Wales, and her mother Carole also found themselves turned away—not due to dress code, but timing.

The Daily Express reported that the two women arrived after the match had already begun, missing the chance to sit with the rest of their family and instead being redirected to regular seating just behind the Royal Box. Despite the seating setback, they appeared to enjoy the game, smiling in photos from the day.

Meghan Markle’s Denim Dilemma

Even Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, reportedly faced the Royal Box’s firm rules. According to The Times, she showed up to Wimbledon wearing a pair of blue jeans—a violation of the dress code.

While this might seem harmless, denim is not considered appropriate attire for the Royal Box. The dress protocol encourages formal wear, and for women, hats are discouraged as they may block the view of those sitting behind.

Tradition Reigns Supreme

Wimbledon’s prestige is not only upheld by its players and matches but also by its commitment to tradition. Whether you’re royalty, a Hollywood actor, or a sporting legend, the rules are clear—and strictly enforced.