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Pippa Middleton was turned away from Wimbledon's elite royal box after breaking major rule
Home>News>Sport
Updated 09:57 29 Jun 2026 GMT+1Published 15:59 4 Jul 2025 GMT+1

Pippa Middleton was turned away from Wimbledon's elite royal box after breaking major rule

The sister of the future queen of England was reportedly turned away from the elite seating area

Olivia Burke

Olivia Burke

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Rule breakers aren't welcome in Wimbledon's 'Royal Box' - even if your sister is the future queen of England.

Pippa Middleton apparently missed the memo about this though, as she was previously left red-faced when she was refused entry to the seating area reserved for elite guests.

Although a lot of people would presume she has the ultimate get out of jail free card given that she's Kate Middleton's sister, it turns out that doesn't wash at Wimbledon.

The rules of Wimbledon's elite seating area

Those who receive the honour of being invited to sit on the dark green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs that are situated above Centre Court must follow a strict set of rules.

The world-renowned tennis tournament uses the Royal Box 'for the entertainment of friends and guests of Wimbledon', and has done since 1922. You will typically find royals from all around the globe, heads of government, sports stars, commercial partners and British armed forces sat in the best seats in the house.

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The Royal Box is reserved for a certain calibre of guest (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
The Royal Box is reserved for a certain calibre of guest (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Prominent media organisations, supporters of British tennis and people from 'other walks of life' also get invited into the Royal Box, Wimbledon says.

The Chair of the All England Club decides on the guest list, while taking into account the opinions of members of The Championships’ Organising Committee and The Lawn Tennis Association, among others.

The British royal family have had their bums on some of the 74 seats situated above the Centre Court more times than we care to remember.

But unfortunately for Pippa, she missed the boat while attending Wimbledon in 2017 with her mother, Carole.

Pippa Middleton's awkward Wimbledon rule break

The mother and daughter duo were reportedly denied entry to the Royal Box eight years ago as they swanned up late.

Apparently, this is a cardinal sin in the eyes of Wimbledon, as there is a strict policy which forbids unpunctual invitees from sitting in the swanky seats.

Pippa seen enjoying the swanky seats in 2019 with her sister Kate and Meghan Markle (Karwai Tang/Getty Images)
Pippa seen enjoying the swanky seats in 2019 with her sister Kate and Meghan Markle (Karwai Tang/Getty Images)

According to the Daily Express, Pippa and Carole were instead sat behind the Royal Box area in regular seats - probably shooting daggers over at those who made it into the box on time.

Outlining the rules which guests must follow, Wimbledon explains that those in attendance must dress 'smart', so being suited and booted is a must.

"Ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them," it also adds.

After oohing and aahing at the spiffingly good tennis you've just laid your eyes on, you can then head down to the Clubhouse for lunch, tea and drinks.

How the other half live, eh?

Featured Image Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage

Topics: Wimbledon, Sport, UK News, Kate Middleton, Royal Family

Olivia Burke
Olivia Burke

Olivia is a journalist at LADbible Group with more than five years of experience and has worked for a number of top publishers, including News UK. She also enjoys writing food reviews (as well as the eating part). She is a stereotypical reality TV addict, but still finds time for a serious documentary.

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@livburke_

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