The Royal Box: Who's in Wimbledon's Most Exclusive Seats?
The Grand Slam tournament at the All England Club in southwest London draws some of the globe's biggest names in business, politics and entertainment. The most illustrious attendees are given the best seats in the house — the Royal Box.
Entry to the oak-lined section at the south end of Centre Court is by invitation only and is reserved for guests from the royal family, tennis stars, and 'individuals of distinction and others who in various ways contribute to the betterment of our lives and society,' according to Robert McNicol, the historian for the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, which hosts the event.
The box, which seats around 80 people, comes with rules, however, including a strict dress code. 'Smart' attire is required, with a suit and tie for men and an 'afternoon dress' or 'elegant trouser suit' for women. Women are asked not to wear hats, as they can block the view for other guests.
The coveted seats also come with an elaborate lunch. The menu this week included poached native Cornish lobster tail and spiced lamb cannon, sourced from a herd of Herdwick sheep originally owned by Beatrix Potter, the author of 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit.'
Here's a look at some of the celebrities and dignitaries who have graced the Royal Box this week:
Cate Blanchett, who played Queen Elizabeth I in the 1998 period drama 'Elizabeth,' attended with her mother, June, on Tuesday.
Olivia Rodrigo, fresh from headlining the Glastonbury music festival, stopped by on Wednesday with her boyfriend, the English actor Louis Partridge.
The Australian actor Russell Crowe, who recently signed on for a reboot of the film 'Highlander,' about an immortal Scottish warrior, made an appearance Tuesday.
Mr. Crowe's fellow Australian, the actor Rebel Wilson, also scored a seat on Tuesday.
Dave Grohl — the Nirvana drummer and Foo Fighters frontman — attended with his wife, Jordyn Blum, on Wednesday, months after he announced that he had a child outside his marriage.
The Indian actress Priyanka Chopra and her husband, the singer Nick Jonas, found their seats Wednesday.
The actor and professional wrestler John Cena and his wife, Shay Shariatzadeh, were in the box Wednesday.
Members of the royal family also attended on Monday, including Princess Beatrice of York and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, in her first appearance in the box in more than 20 years, according to the British news media.
A number of British athletes were also spotted this week, including the recently knighted David Beckham.
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