Richardson tells of joy at being in Royal Box

ACTRESS JOELY Richardson, who used to queue overnight for Wimbledon tickets, was in the Royal Box yesterday.

The 53-year-old arrived at the Championships with her brother Carlo Nero, and spoke of her excitement at being able to watch some of tennis’ big names play on Centre Court.

She said the pair are huge fans of the sport and as children used queue for tickets.

Ms Richardson said: “I am very excited to be here with my brother – we are incredible tennis buffs.

“Ever since we were kids we used to queue and we slept overnight.”

Ms Richardson was not the only one bringing star quality to Wimbledon on a day saw eight Britons take to the courts.

Actress Floella Benjamin, also known as Baroness Benjamin, was one of the first through the gates, eager to start a day of tennis.

The 68-year-old arrived with her husband Keith Taylor, and said she would be thrilled to see her favourite player take to the court for his first-round match.

She said: “I love coming to Wimbledon – it’s got such a sense of excitement. You never know what is going to happen.”

Meanwhile, a budding British tennis player has described the moment Roger Federer gave her a headband as a “dream come true”.

Mihika Joshi, 13, made a sign asking for Federer’s headband, which he gave her.

Mihika, from Hampstead, London, said: “It was a dream come true. I was thrilled to receive the headband.”