Who took advantage at Wimbledon?
Matthew Bell looks at the winners and losers in the battle of the Royal Box
For two weeks every summer, all eyes are on Centre Court in London SW19 for the most intense battle of the year. Not the tennis – but the fight to become champion of the Royal Box. Politicians, celebrities and actual royals all score points with their outfits and how many front pages they can hog. Competition has been particularly fierce this year. Here, we track who won – and who crashed out – in the spectator sport of the summer…
The Actual Royals Love
Zara and Mike Tindall couldn’t resist the odd PDA, as they watched Andy Murray last week.
Ace
James Middleton made an attention-grabbing appearance in week one, turning up in his open-top 1966 Land Rover.
Deuce
Pippa Middleton – in pink lace and fresh from her honeymoon – was at levelpegging in the style stakes with Princess Michael of Kent.
Fault
Carole Middleton turned up late, and suffered the indignity of being barred from the box.
Game, set and match
The Duchess of Cambridge stole the show in a polka dot dress. As patron of Wimbledon, she is the Queen of SW19.
Red Carpet Royalty Love
Stephen Fry and his husband, 29-year-old Elliot Spencer, exchanged verbal volleys on the first Tuesday.
Ace
Wolf Hall star Mark Rylance dressed in a mustard tweed. Some didn’t recognise him, which was probably what he wanted.
Deuce
Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Ian McKellen couldn’t suppress their emotions when Sam Querrey defeated Murray in the quarter-finals. The veteran actors made an array of pained expressions.
Fault
Joely Richardson’s floral cotton dress turned heads. Onlookers whispered that it looked like a nightie.
Game, set and match
Dominic Cooper positioned himself behind the Duchess of Cambridge, effectively photobombing the front page of most newspapers.
Westminster Royalty Love
William and Ffion Hague wore matching shades of cream and white linen; the very picture of summer.
Ace
Labour peer Margaret Ford saw off challenges over her days in the Royal Box, as she’s a trustee of the Tennis Foundation.
Deuce
It was Tom Watson’s second big summer outing, having also been pictured at Glastonbury. The Labour deputy leader was called a “hypocrite” for sitting in the Royal Box weeks after the election campaign slogan: “For the many, not the few.”
Fault
Education Secretary Justine Greening appears to be on summer holiday already – when she’s not watching tennis, she’s leaving her ministerial red box on the doorstep. Break point!
Game, set and match
George Osborne would once have been centre of attention. But the former chancellor enjoyed the day almost unnoticed.
Celebrity Royalty Love
Strictly judge Darcey Bussell spread merriment, posing for selfies and making Fiona Bruce roar with laughter.
Ace
Pop star Ellie Goulding got a coveted picture with publicity-shy Johanna Konta.
Deuce
Sir Michael Parkinson and wife Mary played a steady game, channelling solid Britishness in navy blazers.
Fault
Sir Cliff Richard is in danger of becoming more famous for attending Wimbledon than singing. Time to retire?
Game, set and match
Nobody can fault US Vogue editor Anna Wintour’s style: she knocked everyone out of court in a tweed shift.
Sporting Royalty Love
Ex-England rugby captain Chris Robshaw and singer Camilla Kerslake’s Royal Box selfie drew attention to her diamond engagement ring.
Ace
Sol Campbell looked chic in a pink shirt and cream linen blazer, securing a place on the best-dressed lists.
Deuce
You can’t fault Jason and Laura Kenny. They have 10 Olympic cycling golds between them and are now expecting their first child.
Fault
Sir Chris Hoy found himself in mid-field when he quietly took a seat in the third row.
Game, set and match
David Beckham still looked manly, despite being with his mum. Extra points for exchanging casual banter with Dame Anna Wintour.
Championship point
Sir Andy Murray got a standing ovation when he popped into the Royal Box on his day off. The two-time winner was greeted like a hero. He might not have taken the 2017 title but, in the battle for the Royal Box, he’s still number one.