The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club opened its gates for Wimbledon 2026 on Monday, 29 June, welcoming a host of celebrities to its prestigious Royal Box on Centre Court. The exclusive viewing area, which has hosted guests of Wimbledon since 1922 and boasts 74 seats, was filled with familiar faces from the worlds of sport, entertainment, and broadcasting.
Among the most prominent attendees were former England football captain David Beckham, who was accompanied by his mother Sandra Beckham, a regular fixture at the tournament. Television icon Mary Berry, known for her culinary expertise, also graced the Royal Box, enjoying the tennis alongside her daughter, Annabel. They were joined by other notable figures such as British actor Robert Aramayo, fresh from his BAFTA win, and his mother Lisa Dawson.
The day's tennis action saw defending champion Jannik Sinner begin his campaign on Centre Court against Serbia's Mimir Kecmanovic. Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were also scheduled to headline matches on the main court. However, British women's number one Emma Raducanu unfortunately withdrew from her anticipated match against Antonia Ruzic due to injury, a disappointment for home fans.
Further adding to the celebrity contingent were TV presenter Alexander Armstrong with his wife Hannah, and Tess Daly, who recently departed from Strictly Come Dancing, attending with Naia Beach co-founder Gayle Lawton. Singer Ronan Keating was also spotted with his wife Storm, while former BBC weather presenter Carol Kirkwood enjoyed the sunshine with her husband Steven Randall. Oscar-winning stage actor Mark Rylance was present, accompanied by artist and photographer Lisa Barnard.
Invitations to the coveted Royal Box are issued by the Chairman of the All England Club, though suggestions for guests can also be put forward by members of The Championships' Organising Committee and The Lawn Tennis Association. The event continues to attract a blend of sporting legends and cultural icons, underscoring its enduring appeal as a major social as well as sporting occasion.