Royals arrive for first day of Wimbledon 2026

The Duke of Kent has kicked off the royal attendance at this year's edition of Wimbledon, as he took his place in the Royal Box for a glorious afternoon opening of the tournament.

Prince Edward, 90, is the former patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

The duke looked the part as he sported a distinctive green and purple striped tie in the tournament's colours.

Though Edward has reduced his public engagements considerably in recent years, he appeared at both Trooping the Colour, where he notably took out his phone to record the RAF flypast, and Garter Day earlier this month.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

He was also present at his granddaughter Lady Marina Windsor's Yorkshire wedding to Nico Macauley.

Lady Susan Hussey, who served as lady-in-waiting to the late Queen Elizabeth and remains part of the Royal Household, accompanied him.

The 87-year-old, who is Prince William's godmother, resigned from her royal duties in 2022 after a damaging and high-profile race row.

David Beckham also made his return to the prestigious Royal Box, bringing his mother Sandra along for the occasion. The 51-year-old former footballer, dressed smartly in a grey suit, had flown back from New Jersey, where he watched England's World Cup fixture on Saturday.

The pair were seated alongside television baker Mary Berry and former tennis player Debbie Jevans, with actor Mark Rylance, Alexandra Armstrong and opera singer Katherine Jenkins positioned in the row behind them.

His son Romeo, a keen tennis enthusiast, attended with girlfriend Kim Turnbull but did not receive a Royal Box invitation. The young couple instead took seats elsewhere at SW19.

LATEST ROYAL NEWS

• Prince Harry vows to 'explore every option' for Archie and Lilibet's UK return in fresh statement
• William shares favourite memory of late Queen for digital memorial
• Meghan teases latest company product amid UK trip uncertainty

Tess Daly cut a striking figure in a lace gown as she arrived at the All England Club with business partner Gayle Lawton.

The Strictly Come Dancing presenter, 57, continued to wear her wedding and engagement rings despite announcing her separation from Vernon Kay last month.

Amanda Holden brought additional star power in a pinstripe two-piece ensemble, posing for photographs outside the courts.

Maura Higgins turned heads with a playful nod to the sport, wearing white slingback heels adorned with tennis balls pierced into them. The look echoed Zendaya's method-dressing approach when promoting the 2024 film Challengers.

Pixie Lott, meanwhile, opted for a thigh-skimming mini dress, whilst Katherine Ryan attended alongside her husband Bobby Koostra, who dressed in tennis-inspired attire.

Ronan and Storm Keating coordinated their looks, with the singer wearing a cream suit and his model wife choosing a white shirt paired with a maxi skirt.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter