The 2026 Wimbledon Championships have officially commenced, meaning a slew of celebrities made their way to SW19 to watch the sporting action unfold today.
The Royal Box, where the biggest names in sport, showbusiness and high society are lucky enough to sit, is the place to be at the All England Club – and today saw a typically star-studded line-up take their seats.
Among the VIPs in the box was Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, the oldest living blood relative of the British Royal Family.
He was joined by football royalty – David Beckham, who treated his mother Sandra to a day at the All England Club.
Other figures with the hottest tickets in town today included Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry, Tess Daly and Ronan Keating.
More than 9,000 fans queued this morning for tickets, with 45,000 spectators expected in the All England Club grounds today. Half a million fans are expected over the course of the two-week tournament.
Emma Raducanu, 23, had been set to play Croatian Antonia Ruzic on Court One today but withdrew because of a leg injury which was revealed to be a stress fracture.
But there was still plenty of appetite for strawberries and cream in the SW19 queue, with pictures showing bleary-eyed fans emerging from their tents, wrapping up in blankets and even shaving.
1. Duke of Kent 2. Deborah Jenvans 3. David Beckham 4. Sandra Beckham 5. Mary Berry 6. Annabel Bosher 7. Robert Aramayo 9. Lady Susan Hussey 10. Sir Mark Rylance 11. Lisa Barnard 12. Katherine Jenkins 13. Andrew Levitas 14. Ronan Keating 15. Storm Keating 16. Tess Daly 17. Gayle Lawton 18. David Haggerty 19. Carol Kirkwood 20. Lord and Lady Deighton 21. Mark Precious 22. Roy Colabawalla 23. Alexander Armstrong 24. Michael Caines 25. Tom Hunt 26. Paul Barber 27. Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah 28. Rupert Hampel 29. Sally Munday 30. Paul Sinton-Hewitt 31. Matthew Stanton 32. Katharine Viner 33. Craig Wellstead 34. Xavier Wiggins
1. HRH Duke of Kent
90-year-old Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, was among the famous faces in the Royal Box on day one of the 2026 Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London
While Queen Elizabeth may have been the longest ever reigning British monarch, the Duke of Kent is currently the oldest living relative by blood of the British Royal Family.
Prince Edward, 90, who was a cousin to both the late Queen and Prince Philip, has been among the hardest working and most loyal of Royal servants.
He previously said of the Queen and his commitment to duty: ‘I always felt I wanted to support her. That’s by far the most important thing in life.’
An Army veteran, dare-devil driver and tennis enthusiast, the Duke is certainly multi-faceted and he continues to astonish royal watchers, even to this day.
Born in his parents’ first home in London’s Belgravia in 1935, the Duke was named after Prince George’s elder brother, Edward, the future King.
His father was the younger brother of both King George and the former King Edward VIII, whilst his mother, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, was the niece of the Duke of Edinburgh’s father, Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark.
The Duke lost his beloved wife, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, last year at the age of 92.
2. Deborah Jevans
Deborah Jevans, Chair of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, sat next to Sir David Beckham on day one
British former tennis player Deborah Jevans CBE has been at the hallowed location numerous times, as a former junior Wimbledon champion.
She also played 10 times in the women’s singles (between 1979 and 1983). Her best result was reaching the fourth round, when she lost to fifth-seeded Virginia Wade.
Ms Jevans also played in the doubles event, reaching the quarter finals of the mixed doubles event in 1978, playing with her future husband and Wimbledon referee Andrew Jarrett.
She became the first chairwoman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Board in 2023, succeeding Ian Hewitt.
In 2013, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours due to her services to Sport and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games’, when she served as director of sports for the event.
3 & 4. David and Sandra Beckham
David and Sandra Beckham took their seats on the front row of the Royal Box on Monday
Former footballer David Beckham was back in the Royal Box for day one of Wimbledon on Monday.
The star, who caught a flight home after watching England’s World Cup match in New Jersey on Saturday, treated his mum Sandra to a day at the All England Club.
Looking dapper in a grey suit, David, 51, and Sandra took their VIP seats alongside Mary Berry and former tennis player Debbie Jevans, with Mark Rylance, Alexandra Armstrong and Katherine Jenkins in the row behind.
The Beckhams’ invite to the Royal Box wasn’t extended to David’s son Romeo and his girlfriend Kim Turnbull though.
Tennis superfan Romeo and his girlfriend were also spotted making their SW19 arrival, but had to settle for the cheaper seats.
5 & 6. Dame Mary Berry and Annabel Bosher
Dame Mary Berry and Annabel Bosher posed for cameras upon their arrival at the prestigious event on Monday
National treasure Dame Mary Berry and her daughter Annabel Bosher enjoyed the sights and sounds of Wimbledon from the Royal Box today.
The TV chef and renowned cookbook author’s love for cooking began while she was in school and she credits her domestic science teacher Miss Date for encouraging her.
Dame Mary, 91, has also presented numerous TV cooking shows and was a beloved judge on The Great British Bake Off from 2010 to 2016.
Annabel is the youngest child of Mary and Paul Hunnings, and is a trained cook herself, having trained at the Cordon Bleu.
She went into business with her mother in the 90s to start Mary Berry & Daughter. Annabel has also cooked alongside her famous mother on TV and during roadshows.
7. Robert Aramayo
BAFTA winner Robert Aramayo looked dapper as he watched the sporting action unfold on Monday
BAFTA winner for Best Actor Robert Aramayo attended today alongside his mother, Lisa Dawson.
Indeed, no one had predicted that the working class Yorkshire native would topple the Hollywood heavyweights he was up against, having beat hot favourite Timothee Chalamet and esteemed actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Ethan Hawke to the win earlier this year.
No one was more shocked than Robert’s parents, who leapt up from their seats to celebrate his win, having previously described his acting success as ‘bonkers’, given he is from a ‘humble little family in Hull’.
It was undoubtedly a gratifying moment for Lisa Dawson and Mike Aramayo, who had sacrificed so much to help him achieve his dreams.
Growing up in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire alongside sisters Laura, 35, and Charleigh, 27, Robert, 33, realised his talents at the age of seven when he bagged the role of Bugsy Malone in a primary school production.
From there, he realised he had a talent for impersonations and at the age of 10 he joined the Hull Truck Youth Theatre, where he developed a real passion for his craft.
8. Lady Susan Hussey
The Duke of Kent and Lady Susan Hussey chatted in the Royal Box on day one of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships
Lady Susan Hussey, who was forced to stand down from Royal duties after finding herself at the centre of a racism row, was in the Royal Box.
The presence of Prince William’s godmother at event has perhaps confirmed that she and the Royal Family have managed to put 2022’s controversy behind them.
Lady Hussey, 87, found herself in hot water in November that year over remarks she made to Ngozi Fulani at a Buckingham Palace reception for domestic violence charities.
The British-born founder of Sistah Space, who was wearing colourful African national dress at the occasion, tweeted that Lady Susan had repeatedly asked her where she came from.
Ms Fulani and her supporters claimed it was motivated by ‘prolonged racism’ and that the royal aide was incapable of grasping she was from Britain and not Africa.
Lady Susan, who served as lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II for more than 60 years, has since made a gradual return to the Royal fold.
10 &11. Sir Mark Rylance and Lisa Barnard
Sir Mark Rylance arrived at the All England Lawn Tennis Club with artist and photographer Lisa Barnard
Sir Mark Rylance was another keen tennis fan who was in the Royal Box today.
The Academy Award winner, who also attended the tournament in 2024, donned a three-piece grey suit that he paired with a boater hat.
He was all smiles as he took his place in the front row, next to artist and photographer Lisa Barnard.
12 & 13. Katherine Jenkins and Andrew Levitas
Katherine Jenkins’s husband Andrew Levitas was also pictured in the Royal Box today
Katherine Jenkins looked stylish as she joined her husband Andrew Levitas at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club today.
The Welsh singer, 45, looked radiant in a blue and white polka-dotted dress as she posed for photographers before taking her seat in the Royal Box, behind Sir David Beckham.
However, the pair were not pictured interacting almost a decade on from their OBE drama.
14 & 15. Ronan and Storm Keating
Boyzone star Ronan Keating and his wife Storm wore matching cream ensembles
Ronan Keating looked dapper in a cream-coloured suit as he arrived at Wimbledon today alongside his wife, Storm.
The Irish popstar finished his look with a light blue shirt, navy tie and a pinky ring.
A Royal Box veteran, the Boyzone star, 49, seemingly coordinated outfits with Storm, as she opted for a high-waisted cream skirt with a crisp white shirt.
Storm looked typically elegant as she accessorised her match day ensemble with a gold watch, bracelets, and a pair of dark sunglasses.
16 & 17. Tess Daly and Gayle Lawton
Tess Daly (left) with her business partner Gayle Lawton
Tess Daly was among the famous faces spotted in the Royal Box at Wimbledon today as the newly-single Strictly star arrived at the sporting event alongside her business partner, Gayle Lawton.
Tess, 57, looked sensational in a white lace dress, cinched at the waist with a bow, as the TV presenter kept her accessories to a minimum.
However, she continued to wear her wedding ring despite announcing she was splitting from Vernon Kay last month.
18. David Haggerty
David Haggerty – who has been the President of the International Tennis Federation since 2015 – attended Wimbledon with his wife Liz today.
He has also been a member of the International Olympic Committee for four years, as well as being a board member for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
It’s not the first time the pair have been spotted at the event – as they are, for obvious reasons, tennis fans!
19. Carol Kirkwood
Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood appeared at the event for the first time since stepping back as a commentator and now acting as a guest in the Royal Box
Weather presenter Carol Kirkwood appeared at the event for the first time since stepping back as a commentator and now acting as a guest in the Royal Box.
She has traditionally provided weather updates throughout the Championships yet will be absent from screens after stepping down from her role on BBC Breakfast in April following a 28-year career in the field.
The TV legend wore an elegant, form-fitting floral dress for the occasion, which she attended alongside her husband, former police officer Steve Randall.
20. Lord and Lady Deighton
Tory life peer, Lord Paul Deighton, was accompanied by his wife, Lady Alison Deighton, as they joined a slew of sporting stars and celebrities to watch the action unfold at centre court.
The former investment banker was appointed Commercial Secretary to HM Treasury from January 2013 until May 2015.
Before that, he served as CEO of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2012.
21. Mark Precious
Another athlete sitting in one of the sought after spots in the Royal Box today was Mark Precious, a former student at University College in Oxford.
The former field hockey player won the bronze medal with the British team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.
22. Roy Colabawalla
Roy Colabawalla is the Corporate Partner at Sydney Mitchell LLP and President of the Lawn Tennis Association.
The Sydney Mitchell partner was appointed youngest president in Lawn Tennis Association history earlier this year.
23. Alexander and Hannah Armstrong
Pointless star Alexander Armstrong looked stylish in a blue suit as he watched the action unfold with his wife Hannah.
Together with his long-running quiz show duties, the English actor, comedian and TV presenter and is celebrated for his comedic partnership with Ben Miller and his radio shows.
24. Michael Caines
Celebrity chef Michael Caines is known for his work at the Michelin-starred Lympstone Manor in Devon.
The 57-year-old, who was previously head chef of Gidleigh Park in Devon until January 2016, attended today alongside his long-term partner Pippa Whiteley.
25. Tom Hunt
The former editor-in-chief at the Express, Tom Hunt, was joined by his wife Claire for the first games of the tournament.
The veteran journalist currently serves as Editorial Director of Reach PLC, which publishes the Mirror, the Express, and the Daily Star.
26. Paul Barber
Paul Barber OBE, has worked as the Chief executive and deputy chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion FC since 2012.
Barber was made an OBE in HM The King’s first New Year’s Honour’s List in 2023 for services to football.
He attended today alongside Adam Franks, the non-executive director at Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
27. Caroline Cooper-Marbiah and Jane Savil
Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, who has worked as the Labour councillor for Colliers Wood since 2012, is the Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage.
Cooper-Marbiah, who attended alongside Jane Savil, has also enjoyed a successful career as a qualified accountant.
29. Sally Munday
The chief executive of UK Sport, Sally Munday was among the Royal Box VIPs on day one of the British Grand Slam tournament. Before she was given the top job at UK Sport in 2019, Sally was the chief executive of England and GB Hockey.
30. Paul Sinton-Hewitt
Parkrun’s founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt made his way to SW19 today, shortly after the running charity completed its millionth event in a milestone moment.
31. Matthew Stanton
Matthew Stanton is the CEO of Australian entertainment giant Nine in a role he has held since March 2025.
32. Katharine Jenkins
Editor-in-chief of the Guardian since 2015. The journalist has worked at the publication’s branches in Australia and New York and is the outlet’s first female EIC.
33. Craig Wellstead
Co-founder and Head of Operations at DONS Local Action group. The volunteer group is dedicated to providing amenities for those in need, offering food deliveries, tech donations and furniture distributions.
34. Xavier Wiggins
Co-founder of DONS Local Action group along with Craig Wellstead. The volunteer company is dedicated to distributing goods and services for those who need it.
28. Mr Rupert Hampel
Rupert Hampel is the Executive Vice President of IMG Media – a ‘global sports & culture company, specialising in rights, data, digital, partnerships, events, consulting, studios and more’.
He was joined by members of his family, Andrew Hampel, Peter Hampel, and Mrs Katie Naylor.
Nick Turnbull
The Duke of Kent’s private secretary, Nick Turnbull, was also present at today’s sporting event.
Turnbull manages the Duke’s official engagements, correspondence, and public relations.
Gill Pearson
Also observing the prestigious event today was the Duke of Kent’s long-time personal assistant, Gill Pearson.
Eric and Anna Babolat
Owner and CEO of Babolat, Eric Babolat, attended the event today alongside his wife, Anna.
The family-run business is the oldest racquet sports company in the world – and since its 1875 genesis, the company has transformed one of the biggest names in tennis racquets, clothing and footwear.
Mark and Lorraine Cox
Former English tennis player, Mark Cox, joined the stars in Wimbledon’s Royal Box today with his wife, Lorraine.
Mark represented Britain in the Davis Cup, most notably helping his team reach the 1978 Davis Cup Final against the United States.
Rachel and Nicholas Gilman
Golf ace Rachel Gilman, who held the post of Lady Captain of the Royal Wimbledon club last year, also took her seat in the stands today.
