A duchess tried to bring a grieving 12-year-old into the Royal Box, and was refused

In 1999, the Duchess of Kent tried to bring the 12-year-old son of a recently deceased friend into Wimbledon’s Royal Box. The then-chairman, John Curry, refused because the boy was not a royal, and there was talk of the Duchess boycotting the event entirely before the rift eventually healed.

The incident illustrated just how guarded access to the Royal Box was before the rules were quietly liberalised. Even today, the invitation process has no public criteria, and as The Athletic has reported, it is essentially decided by whoever chairs the All England Club at any given time, a role Debbie Jevans has held since 2023.

The Royal Box, built in 1922 alongside the current Centre Court, holds just 74 dark green wicker chairs positioned directly behind one baseline. Despite its name, it has never been reserved solely for members of Britain’s royal family. Over the decades it has welcomed Olympic champions, former Wimbledon winners, heads of state, scientists, military leaders, business executives and internationally recognised entertainers.

What sets it apart from premium hospitality at other major sporting events is that it simply cannot be bought. No package, resale market or corporate connection guarantees a place, and even celebrity status is no exception: Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton was turned away in 2015 for arriving without a jacket and tie.

Image: Wikimedia Commons/by GATORFAN2525