How Wimbledon decide who sits in the royal box after Lewis Hamilton and Pippa Middleton handed bans

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How Wimbledon decide who sits in the royal box after Lewis Hamilton and Pippa Middleton handed bans

The royal box at Wimbledon is mainly reserved for top delegates and people with status.

Here's how Wimbledon decides who sits in the royal box as the likes of David Beckham, Thomas Tuchel and Brian Lara have watched on from centre court.

This year's Wimbledon is at the crunch stage as the women's and men's final takes place this weekend.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who received a DM from Novak Djokovic after beating Emma Raducanu, is aiming to win her first Wimbledon title, while Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are vying for a spot in Sunday's showpiece.

Sabalenka, Sinner and Alcaraz have already wowed spectators on centre court ahead of potentially reaching the final.

They have shone in front of celebrities and high-profile figures, with Manchester United legend Beckham, England boss Tuchel and cricket icon Lara watching on from the royal box.

David Beckham received an invite into the royal box for this year's Wimbledon. Image: Getty
David Beckham received an invite into the royal box for this year's Wimbledon. Image: Getty

But how do you gain entry inside the exclusive stand at Wimbledon? Well, it is on an invitation basis only and comes directly from Philip Brook, who is the chairman of the All England Club.

Brook takes into account suggestions from members of The Championships' Organising Committee, The Lawn Tennis Association and other relevant sources.

As stated on Wimbledon’s website, invitees include 'British and overseas royal families, heads of government, people from the world of tennis, commercial partners, British Armed Forces, prominent media organisations, supporters of tennis and other walks of life'.

It is mainly reserved for top delegates, who have to follow a strict dress code, which has caught some people out, including Lewis Hamilton and Pippa Middleton.

Guests are required to dress smartly, including suits/jackets and ties. Ladies are asked not to wear hats.

Pippa Middleton arrived late to the royal box in 2017. Image: Getty
Pippa Middleton arrived late to the royal box in 2017. Image: Getty

Back in 2015, Hamilton was denied entry into the royal box despite having a ticket and missed the men's final between Djokovic and Roger Federer.

A spokesperson for the Formula 1 superstar said at the time: "Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding regarding dress code at Wimbledon, Lewis is very disappointed to have missed the men's final."

As for Pippa, younger sister of Catherine, Princess of Wales, she was denied entry into the royal box because she turned up late back in 2017.

Pippa and her mother, Carole, eventually took a seat inside centre court but were seated in regular seats behind the royal box.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Tennis, Wimbledon