Wimbledon happens every year and the royal family’s presence at the championship is certain.
Many eyes are fixed upon the Royal Box, eager to see what the royals are wearing. That perfect blend of smart casual they have been getting right for years.
Wimbledon is back, so we’re taking you through the Royal Family’s most iconic looks, seen on and off the courts over the years.
A style guide of colours and patterns to inspire your wardrobe and get you ready for the matches at home or on Henman Hill.
Blazers
Fashion at Wimbledon tends to sway towards smart casual. To be allowed to sit in the Royal Box, one must follow the dress code. Over the years, one of the biggest staples of this has been to complete outfits with a smart blazer.
Princess Diana stunned the Wimbledon crowds year after year with her bold yet elegant looks. In 1991 she chose a formal yet summery style with a bright, purple-printed blazer cinched with a white belt over a pleated skirt.
In 1993 she opted for a more classic, elegant look with a silk polka-dot shirt, matching blush pink skirt and blazer with gold button and jewellery accents.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie looked smart yet feminine wearing off-white blazers with ruffle detailing – in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Whether to contrast or complement the rest of your outfit, blazers add instant elegance to any style – and can shelter you from the UK’s changeable weather.
Even though Wimbledon takes place in the height of summer, matches could be rained off. Since 2009, Centre Court has had a retractable roof that negates the need for umbrellas. But for everyone not lucky enough to be sitting in the Royal Box, it’s best to complete (and protect) your outfit with an appropriate sports umbrella, just in case.
Stripes
While the gentleman royals have been wearing more classic suits with pinstriped patterns for years, it was Meghan Markle’s first appearance at Wimbledon in 2018 that turned stripes into a top fashion trend for that summer.
Shortly after her marriage to Prince Harry, Meghan stepped away from the tradition of wearing dresses and donned a Ralph Lauren blue-and-white-striped shirt and wide-legged cream trousers ensemble.
Topped off with a straw fedora, Meghan cut a sharp, chic picture on the court.
That’s not the only time the Duchess of Sussex has worn stripes. In 2019 she eschewed the Royal Box dress code entirely in favour of a more casual look with denim jeans and a creamy striped blazer.
Tennis Whites
In the 1800s, white was the choice colour because of the belief it keeps players cooler. Since then, ‘tennis whites’ has become a popular fashion style with many spectators emulating white or cream-coloured outfits.
For Kate Middleton’s first Wimbledon attendance as a member of the Royal Family in 2011, she encapsulated this style perfectly in a pleated white Temperley dress.
Since then, Kate has worn numerous ‘tennis whites’ inspired looks, from the preppy knitted Alexander McQueen outfit in 2012 to the white Catherine Walker dress adorned with brightly coloured flowers in 2017.
Go bold
Over the years, the royals have also shown how to go the opposite way and turn heads with bright and bold styles.
In 1970 Princess Margaret stepped onto Centre Court to present the winner’s trophy wearing a long red coat, wonderfully contrasted with a green hat and a floral dress.
Queen Elizabeth is also not one to shy away from bright colours – setting the scene for day four of 2010’s Wimbledon championship, her first visit in 33 years, with a summery turquoise outfit.
Kate Middleton is also known for wearing bold colours opting for vivid crimson, yellow, and blue tones.
In particular, for the 2019 Women’s Singles Final, Kate wore a stunning emerald green Dolce & Gabbana dress with gold buttons, perfectly matching the signature green of the Lawn Tennis Association.
From traditional looks to modern twists on classic styles, it’s all about making the most of the occasion (especially with strawberries and cream)! And even though you may not be able to join everyone in the Royal Box, you can certainly dress like them.
