At Wimbledon, tradition runs deep — and nowhere is that more visible than in the Royal Box. With its signature green chairs and impeccable views of Centre Court, this 74-seat section remains one of the most exclusive corners of British sport. But even royalty and celebrities aren’t exempt from the rules.

Since 1922, the Royal Box has been reserved for invited guests only — a list that includes British and foreign royals, world leaders, tennis icons, and high-profile supporters of the sport. Entry is granted solely at the discretion of the Chairman of the All England Club. And while the company may be elite, the dress code is equally serious.

Strict dress rules apply, no matter your title

For men, that means a jacket and tie. For women, an afternoon dress or an elegant trouser suit. Not even the youngest royals are exempt — Prince George wore a full suit and tie during his first visit in 2022. The guidelines are clear: looking smart is a must.

But one accessory, in particular, tends to cause confusion — the hat.

According to Wimbledon’s own rules, female guests are “asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind.” Yet even this rule has been sidestepped, albeit quietly, by members of the royal family.

Kate Middleton wore a wide-brimmed hat to the Women’s Singles Final in 2022 while seated in the Royal Box. Meghan Markle, meanwhile, was spotted holding a hat (not wearing it) during her 2018 outing with the Princess of Wales. The following year, Meghan wore a hat — but notably, she wasn’t seated in the box that day.

Still, the rules have caught out a few big names. Lewis Hamilton was famously turned away in 2015 after showing up without a tie, and Pippa Middleton — Kate’s sister — was once sent to regular seating alongside her mother Carole after arriving late to a match in 2017. Though they missed out on the prime view, they seemed in good spirits, smiling for photos in the stands.

Why the Royal Box still fascinates us

The fascination with the Royal Box goes beyond tennis. It’s a stage in its own right — a place where fashion choices are just as closely watched as forehands and backhands. In recent years, familiar faces like Olivia Rodrigo, Tom Daley, Eddie Redmayne, and Princess Beatrice have all been seen in the prized seats.

While its rules may seem old-fashioned, the Royal Box remains a symbol of British pageantry — where etiquette and tradition still hold court, no matter who you are.