As the Wimbledon Championships draw near, all eyes will not only be on the thrilling action unfolding on Centre Court but also on the sartorial statements made off it.
The royal family’s enduring connection to the tournament, cemented by Queen Elizabeth II’s patronage of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) in 1952 – a role now held by the Princess of Wales – ensures a regal presence.
With the Princess and her children being avid tennis enthusiasts, their appearances in the royal box are highly anticipated, continuing a long-standing tradition.
Ahead of the Championships commencing on 29 June, we revisit some of the most memorable royal courtside fashion moments.
1. Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II made a striking debut at Wimbledon as monarch in 1957. Her choice of a midi-length dress, featuring a cinched waist and full skirt, perfectly encapsulated the popular Fifties silhouette. Adorned with a vibrant floral print ideal for a summer event, the ensemble was completed with her signature accessories: multiple strings of pearls, elegant gloves, and a classic handbag.
2. Princess Diana
Diana, Princess of Wales, much like the late Queen, saw her Wimbledon wardrobe evolve with the prevailing fashion trends. While the 1980s were characterised by bold shoulders and prominent collars, her style transitioned in the subsequent decade. At the 1994 men’s singles final, where Pete Sampras claimed victory, Diana captivated in a bright red sleeveless shirt dress by British designer Tomasz Starzewski. This piece marked a shift towards a more minimalist aesthetic, a departure from the vivid patterns she often favoured in the Eighties. Far from being understated, its striking colour and gold detailing, which lent an almost military precision, ensured she stood out, expertly accessorised with chunky gold jewellery.
3. Kate Middleton
The Princess of Wales, patron of the AELTC since 2016, is a familiar face at Wimbledon and has delivered some of her most celebrated fashion moments there. In 2016, she opted for a bright yellow midi dress by one of her preferred designers, London-based Roksanda, featuring short sleeves and contrasting white panels. This marked the beginning of block colours becoming a staple for the Princess at Wimbledon, with her showcasing everything from electric purples to vivid greens in subsequent appearances.
4. Meghan Markle
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attended the 2018 women’s singles final to support her friend Serena Williams, embodying her signature relaxed-yet-chic style. Eschewing a structured dress, she chose a blue and white Ralph Lauren shirt paired with wide-leg white trousers. While stripes are a Wimbledon fashion perennial, Meghan infused the look with her own flair through a slightly oversized, menswear-inspired silhouette, finishing the outfit with a white straw hat and sunglasses.
5. Kate Middleton
The Princess of Wales makes a second appearance on this list, testament to her numerous significant style contributions at the Championships. Her 2023 ensemble was particularly noteworthy for its departure from her usual modern, clean-lined aesthetic. She embraced an Eighties-inspired look, featuring a pale green Balmain blazer with structured shoulders and prominent white buttons, paired with a tennis-inspired white pleated midaxi skirt.
6. Queen Camilla
Queen Camilla typically adopts a more reserved approach to her Wimbledon attire, yet she masterfully incorporates subtle details to add interest. For the 2024 Championships, she wore a neutral midi dress by Anna Valentine. While the long-sleeved, belted silhouette is characteristic of her style, she introduced a whimsical touch with delicate giraffe embroidery adorning the flowing skirt.
7. Princess Charlotte
Princess Charlotte made her Wimbledon debut in 2023 and has since become a regular attendee. In 2025, she watched Jannik Sinner triumph over Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s singles final alongside her family, later meeting the champion.
Charlotte’s look was simple and summery: a floaty white dress with a ruffled neckline and black piping, accessorised with tortoiseshell sunglasses.
Meanwhile, her mother, the Princess of Wales, wore a classic Wimbledon outfit: a bright blue midaxi dress, also by Roksanda.
