Since its inception in 1877, the British royal family has been a key component of the Wimbledon tennis championships. From Princess Margaret bringing a touch of fabulous to the tournament in the ’60s, to the Princess of Wales (now patron of the All England Club) presenting the winners with their trophies on court, the royal family is as much a constant at Wimbledon as Pimm’s and strawberries and cream.
Of course, the royals don’t only pop up for trophy presentations. They can be spotted in the Royal Box from the early rounds, cheering on their favorites in sprightly summer outfits. Contemporary royals typically mirror the florals worn by the Queen in the ’70s and Diana, Princess of Wales at Wimbledon in the ’80s, or—as has been the approach of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex—lean into the championship’s preppy reputation in crisp collared shirts by sponsor Ralph Lauren.
Here, look back to 22 times the royals brought some added glamour to SW19.
