Movies

Why the Wimbledon Royal Box is the new red carpet… and the secret pecking order of who sits where: SHANE WATSON

BBG News

This year at Wimbledon, there’s been a significant shift. Instead of line judges in their Ralph Lauren attire, advanced Hawk-Eye technology has taken over – marking an end to a 147-year-old tradition instantly. However, the focus here isn’t on that change.

During the summer season, Wimbledon fortnight has outpaced other social events, and by the time we reach the semi-finals, Centre Court stands as the premier destination to attend and be noticed. The royal box takes on a role similar to the exclusive VIP section at a high-profile Hollywood event.

For the first time, an unprecedented number of famous personalities graced the event hosted by the All England Tennis Association, leaving both the live audience and television viewers awestruck.

2021 will be remembered as the year when the prestigious Wimbledon tournament transformed its fortnight into a glamorous, diverse event filled with A-list celebrities and influential figures, turning the royal box at Centre Court into a star-studded gathering of individuals we closely follow (with a few exceptions who were unable to secure their necessary security arrangements).

Typically, it gathers an eclectic group that includes royals, influential figures, past winners, sports greats, diplomats, political leaders, media moguls, movie stars, and music icons of renown.

Over the past few years, it has become quite common to spot Carole and Michael Middleton on Tuesdays, with Sir David Beckham making an appearance on the opening Monday. Additionally, Sienna Miller is also frequently seen on Tuesdays. Occasionally, a high-profile A-list celebrity from Hollywood might be present if they’re in town – for example, Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt, who attended last year possibly due to filming F1: The Movie, which was primarily filmed at Silverstone.

The seating in the inner circle is determined by Deborah Jevans, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. It’s an exclusive event, only accessible via invitation. As per Robert McNicol, historian for the club, those invited are typically individuals of great stature or people who positively impact our lives and society in various ways.

This year, it’s been particularly evident that anyone notable desired to be at Centre Court, regardless of when during the tournament it fell for them.

Three days ago, 22-year-old Olivia Rodrigo, who had just headlined at Glastonbury, was seated with her British boyfriend Louis Partridge. Meanwhile, Eddie Redmayne, an Academy Award winner, and his wife Hannah Bagshawe enthusiastically began the events on the initial Monday.

Even though Spider-Man is among them, not everyone receives the invitation. Despite having a striking resemblance to Hollywood’s elite, Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro found themselves in the audience this year. The seating arrangement within the venue is determined by an individual’s standing and their connection to the game itself.

It’s no wonder that royalty claims the premier spots, with Queen Camilla occupying the front row yesterday and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge set to join her over the weekend. Similarly, tennis greats take their places upfront, ensuring they have a clear view of the action on the court.

On the eighth day, comedian Michael McIntyre managed to secure a spot two rows ahead of Carole and Michael, who are the parents of the upcoming queen, just one row behind renowned tennis player Roger Federer, and several other notable figures.

Organizing who sits where on which day can be quite a hassle, similar to navigating the complex seating arrangements of Anna Wintour’s Met Gala, a challenge as tricky as a political minefield. (The disputes over seating at this annual fashion event are well-known.) It seems Hugh Grant was seated behind the Queen during yesterday’s quarter final – possibly due to his connections with Paddington granting him additional royal perks.

Instead, consider rephrasing as follows: This year’s guests gracing the royal box are particularly captivating because their star power matches that of the Met Ball attendees, and in several aspects, they prove to be even more intriguing and entertaining.

In what other settings might you encounter Jeremy Hunt mingling with Jodie Foster, or Sarah Ferguson engaging in conversation with Jason Isaacs (famous for his role in White Lotus)?

What makes everyone desire to be present here right now is intriguing to pinpoint, yet insiders claim that the elegance of Royal Ascot has been marred by excessive drinking and unruly conduct. Henley Regatta seems outdated, while the Chelsea Flower Show caters more to a mature audience.

At Wimbledon, the temperatures are exceptionally high, and the ongoing heatwave has certainly contributed. Additionally, it presents an opportunity for everyone to exude an elegant, vintage charm.

The dress code at this event requires men to wear jackets and ties, while women can opt for afternoon dresses, elegant trouser suits, or even more casual attire. However, this year’s guests in the royal box have shown a wider range of styles than ever before, making the outfits more diverse compared to past events.

Traditionally, Centre Court has been associated with elegant dresses, floral prints, polka dots, or, for the Princess of Wales, All England purple. But this year, the atmosphere seems to be more relaxed, allowing for a wider variety of outfits, as long as they are formal enough to meet the dress code.

Cate Blanchett donned a Giorgio Armani trouser suit without any innerwear, while Sienna Miller showcased a thigh-high, adorable Alessandra Rich dress; Katherine Jenkins wore a floor-length, pink, puff-sleeved, and voluminous Alessandra Rich gown fit for an opera.

All in all there’s been so much to see in the royal box – and there are still three days to go.

Read More

2025-07-10 03:33

Previous post ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ sequel: Here’s what we know so far
Next post Olivia Dean admits she ‘doesn’t need to be in a relationship to survive’ and her ability to love has ‘got her into trouble’ after she was linked to singer Harry Styles