Wimbledon 2023 is well under way, and in addition to watching some world-class tennis, there’s the usual interest in who has managed to bag one of the coveted seats in SW19’s royal box.
As well as some familiar royal faces, tennis fans can expect to see the usual combination of celebrities and high-profile public figures in this VIP section of the tennis tournament.
What is the royal box at Wimbledon?
For the average tennis fan, securing tickets to Wimbledon is no mean feat, involving a public ballot system that allocates seats, courts, days and prices at random, meaning those applying need to ensure Wimbledon fortnight is free in the event they are issued with tickets to the world-class event.
Attendees in the royal box, however, are welcome at the invitation of the chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), who takes suggestions from Wimbledon’s organising committee, the Lawn Tennis Association.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are regulars, not least because Kate Middleton is the royal patron of the All England Club, while Princess Eugenie has also been spotted in the box.
Wimbledon royalty, such as Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova and Pat Cash are also a common sight in the royal box, alongside a hand-picked selection of celebrities.
In addition, political figures, such as MPs, distinguished business men and women, and commended figures from public life, such as NHS workers, also have the opportunity to enjoy the game from the royal box.
And with only 74 seats available, a spot is much sought after.
Who’s in the royal box at Wimbledon today?
Dame Anna Wintour
Vogue editor-in-chief since 1988, Dame Anna Wintour may reside in New York City, but she was born in London’s Hampstead and is a keen follower of Wimbledon.
As well as watching the sport, the fashion mogul is also a member of New York’s Midtown Tennis Club where her private instructor, Byron Spence, described her as being “like a retriever” on court. In an interview with The New York Times, he said: “She’s so fast. She’ll chase down everything. She doesn’t hit with a lot of spin, but she has an amazing cross-court forehand.”
David Harewood
Actor and presenter, David Harewood, is also present in Monday’s royal box. The star of Homeland and Supergirl is accompanied by his wife, Kirsty Handy.
Matt Fitzpatrick
The 2022 US Open champion and eight-time DP World Tour winner Matt Fitzpatrick is joined by his partner, Katherine Gaal, at Monday’s Wimbledon.
Sir Trevor Phillips
The former chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, writer and broadcaster Sir Trevor Phillips was spotted in Monday’s royal box as well.
Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark
Prince Frederik is the current heir to the throne of Denmark. He is the son of Queen Margrethe II and Henrik, the Prince Consort.
Elsewhere, actor Tom Hiddleston was spotted in the crowd with his mother.
How long is Wimbledon 2023 on for and how can I watch?
Wimbledon runs from Monday 1 July to Sunday 16 July, 2023. Play starts on outside courts at 11am and on Court No 1 at 1pm. Centre Court play begins at 1.30pm.
As is tradition, Wimbledon will be broadcast in full in the UK by the BBC. The rights also include online streaming on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website as well as radio commentary on 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra. The BBC has televised Wimbledon in the UK since 1937.
