Since its founding in 1877, the British royal family has been a main component of the Wimbledon tennis championships. From Princess Margaret bringing a touch of magnificence to the tournament in ’60s, through to Kate Middleton, patron of All England Club, presenting the winners with their trophies on the court, the royal family is a constant at Wimbledon.
Of course, the royals don’t just pop up for trophy presentations. They can be found in the Royal Box from the early rounds, cheering on their favorite players in summer looks. Contemporary royals mirror the florals worn by the Queen in the ’70s and Princess Diana in the ’80s, or – like Meghan, Duchess of Sussex preferred – lean into the championship’s preppy connotations in crisp collared shirts by sponsor Ralph Lauren.
Below, see some of the best photos of royals at Wimbledon.
Queen Mary presenting French player Suzanne Lenglen with the prize at the 1925 championships Photo: Keystone-FranceThe Duke of York, who would later become King George VI, wore tennis whites to play on the grass courts in 1926. The first member of the royal family to play at Wimbledon, the future King paired with Wing Commander Louis Grieg for the men’s doubles Photo: Central PressThe then Queen Elizabeth, Queen Consort to King George VI, with American Wimbledon champion, Helen Wills Moody during a break in play Photo: Fox Photos / Getty ImagesQueen Elizabeth II was dazzling in jubilant florals to present Althea Gibson with the winner’s trophy. Photo: BettmannHer Majesty was also in attendance in 1962, where she wore a silk satin dress coat to present Rod Laver with the winning trophy. Photo: BettmannPrincess Margaret was in the stands in 1965, wearing sunglasses and a sizable hat as she smoked a cigarette during play. Photo: Keystone-FrancePrincess Anne presented Ann Jones with the women’s singles title at the 1969 champtionships after the English player defeated Billie Jean King. The 18-year-old princess wore a graphic dress coat with sling-back heels and a polka-dot scarf worn around a sunhat. Photo: Central PressIn 1970, it was Princess Margaret’s turn to present the winner with the trophy. Photo: Mike LawnThe then Prince Charles took to Centre Court in a dashing suit at the 1970 championships. Photo: Ted WestPrincess Margaret presented Margaret Court with the women’s singles trophy at the close of the 1970 championships on Centre Court. Photo: Douglas MillerHer Majesty wore a pale pink ensemble to present Britain’s Virginia Wade with the women’s singles title in July 1977. Photo: Hulton ArchiveA few weeks prior to her wedding, Lady Diana Spencer watched the men’s singles final between John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg from the row behind Princess Grace of Monaco. Photo: BettmanPrincess Diana returned to Wimbledon a decade later, this time joined by Prince William for the finals. Photo: Manuela DUPONTPrincess Diana cheered on Pete Sampras as he took the men’s singles title in 1993. Photo: Mirrorpix/Getty ImagesKate Middleton, three years before she married Prince William, attended the championships with her girlfriends in 2008. Photo: Ryan PierseQueen Elizabeth II and former Wimbledon regular Tim Henman cheer for Andy Murray in 2010. Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty ImagesNewlyweds William and Kate attended the 2011 championships, watching the fourth round match between Andy Murray and Richard Gasquet together. Photo: Clive MasonPrincess Beatrice watched Novak Djokovic play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France in 2011. Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesPrince Charles and Camila, Duchess of Cornwall took to the royal box in 2012, watching Roger Federer play Fabio Fognini in the second round. Photo: Paul GilhamPrincess Eugenie seen in 2014 dressed to match the traditional strawberries and cream served at Wimbledon. Photo: Karwai TangKate Middleton and Meghan Markle went to the tournament together in July 2018. Photo: Karwai TangIn her role as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Princess Kate presented the trophy to Novak Djokovic in 2019. Photo: Karwai TangKate Middleton giving a standing ovation while standing alongside Roger Federer in 2023. Photo: Getty Images
