A clutch of "around 80 very comfortable and well-upholstered seats overlook Centre Court,” which at one time “was primarily used for the purpose its name suggests, to host royalty"Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty Images
The Royal Box at Wimbledon is an “unending source of fascination for people ostensibly tuning in to watch some top-class sport,” according to Nick Miller of THE ATHLETIC. A clutch of "around 80 very comfortable and well-upholstered seats overlook Centre Court,” which at one time “was primarily used for the purpose its name suggests, to host royalty.” Now it is the “place for the great and the good to be seen.” The invitation process “is quite nebulous.” There are “no particular criteria” and it is “essentially all decided by whoever is chair of the AELTC at the time,” which has been Debbie Jevans since 2023. Miller noted under previous chair Ian Hewitt, there “was a leaning away from a ‘celebrity’ focus, towards those who have done ‘good deeds’ for society.” But there is “always a famous face or two in there for the cameras to find -- this is a marketing exercise.” Newspaper editors are “often invited, presumably to curry a little favour and encourage publicity.” Miller wrote getting an invite is not easy. Agents and PR representatives “will frequently lobby to get their clients a prominent seat, which also leaves the organisers open to the occasional hoax.” There is also a “pretty strict dress code.” Gentlemen are “asked to wear a lounge suit/blazer and tie,” while ladies are asked to wear an "'afternoon dress' (nothing above the knee) or elegant trouser suit” (
THE ATHLETIC, 7/6).
