Who’s who in the royal box at Wimbledon

It was a glitzy affair in the royal box at Wimbledon today as the biggest names in showbusiness, mingled with former Grand Slam champions and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  

Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss joined Martina Navratilova andMarion Bartol to watch the Ladies Finals in SW19 as  top seed Ashleigh Barty took on Karolina Pliskova as Dame Maggie Smith, Lulu, and Priyanka Chopra watched from the crowd.  

Kate Middleton looked delighted to be out of isolation and back at royal events. The Duchess of Cambridge was alerted about coming into contact with a Covid-positive person last Friday – after spending most of the day at Wimbledon with VIPs including Tim Henman and Joe Wicks. 

But back in action today, Kate watched as Barty took on Pliiskova. Barty is the first player from her country to take part in the Wimbledon final since 1980, while Pliskova is only in her second Grand Slam final after losing the US Open five years ago. 

Also in the box was Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who both sported dapper suits for the day out. 

Here, FEMAIL reveals who’s who in the box… 

1. Oliver Dowden 

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden, 42, had front row seats event. The MP, dressed in a smart navy suit, looked pleased to be out of the office as he beamed to the camera.

He was joined by his wife Blythe far left) , who sported a dark navy dress and black jacket, but the couple were without their two children.

Dowden wore a purple tie as he watched the women’s singles final on the twelfth day of the 2021 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Clu

Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Oliver Dowden, 42,  had front row seats event. 

The MP, dressed in a smart navy suit, looked pleased to be out of the office as he beamed to the camera. 

He was joined by his wife  Blythe, who sported a dark navy dress and black jacket, but the couple were without their two children. 

2. The Duke of Kent

The Queen’s first cousin, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, 85, is president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and presents the trophies for the tournament winners and runners-up. 

An avid tennis fan, the Duke is a regular fixture at Wimbledon and has made several appearances over the last 10 days. 

The Queen’s first cousin, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, 85, is president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and presents the trophies for the tournament winners and runners-up.

Although he has previously attended Wimbledon with his wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, today he was joined by  architect Philip Gumuchdjian and his wife, as well as Captain James Calder-Smith.

After more than five decades as President of All England Club, The Duke of Kent will present the Gentlemen’s Singles trophy for the last time on Sunday, before stepping down from the role.

3& 4: The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge

Front and centre of the royal box was The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate was at the championships earlier this week before getting alerted that she needs to self-isolate. The Duchess of Cambridge was alerted to a contact with a Covid-infected person last Friday afternoon – after spending most of the day at Wimbledon with VIPs including Tim Henman and Joe Wicks.

She spent the following seven days isolating, but returned to public engagements this afternoon at Wimbledon to watch Australian first seed Ashleigh Barty take on world No. 13 Karolina Pliskova. It is both women’s first time in the Wimbledon final.

The Duchess go to the men’s final on her own on Sunday, with the Duke expected to attend the England football match at Wembley instead.

Kate cheered as Barty took the first set this afternoon, with Czech Pliskova off to a hesitant start as the pair went head-to-head on Centre Court.

But the former world No. 1 performed an impressive u-turn, winning the second set to rapturous applause from the crowd. It sent the game to a deciding set, the first time a women’s final has ended this way in 15 years.

With them was Kate’s to assistant private secretaries  Natalie Barrows  and Zoe Ware.

Kate’s sister and brother-in-law, Pippa and James Matthews, and her parents Carole and Micheal Middleton have all been in the box over the tournament. 

Leading the way: Kate looked delighted to be back in action as she sported a green dress for a day at the tennis

All laughs: William, Kate, Billie and Martina clearly looked delighted to be watching the tennis today

A royally good show! Kate looked delighted to be at the match and clapped away while protecting her eyes in RayBan glasses

Front and centre of the royal box was The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Avid tennis fans, Kate was at the championships earlier this week before getting alerted that she needs to self-isolate. The Duchess of Cambridge was alerted to a contact with a Covid-infected person last Friday afternoon – after spending most of the day at Wimbledon with VIPs including Tim Henman and Joe Wicks.

The Duchess go to the men’s final on her own on Sunday, with the Duke expected to attend the England football match at Wembley instead.

With them was Kate’s to assistant private secretaries Natalie Barrows and Zoe Ware. Kate’s sister and brother-in-law, Pippa and James Matthews, and her parents Carole and Micheal Middleton have all been in the box over the tournament.

 5. Sadiq Khan and Saadiya Ahmad

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan brought his solicitor wife Saadiya Ahmad along to watch the Ladies Final today. 

Looking dapper in a grey suit and striped purple tie, the Labour politician was joined by his glamorous wife who sported red nail varnish and a matching suit. 

A keen spectator, Khan been spotted at the tennis as well as the Euros this month, and has said he hopes to bring the Olympics back to London. 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan brought his solicitor wife Saadiya Ahmad along to watch the Ladies Final today.

Looking dapper in a grey suit and striped purple tie, the Labour politician was joined by his glamorous wife who sported red nail varnish and a matching suit

An avid sports fan, Khan been spotted at the tennis as well as the Euros, and has said he hopes to bring the Olympics back to London

 6 & 7. Marion Bartoli and Yahya Boumediene

French-born Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli, 36, was joined today by Yahya Boumediene, her Belgian footballer husband.

Marion picked up the Grand Slam Title in 2013, today she sported an all pink outfit while her husband opted for a classic navy suit. 

Marion and Yahya wed in 2019 and share one daughter.

French-born Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli, 36, was joined today by Yahya Boumediene, her Belgian footballer husband. Marion picked up the Grand Slam Title in 2013, today she sported an all pink outfit while her husband opted for a classic navy suit. Marion and Yahya wed in 2019 and share one daughter.

8. Dr Christine Janes

Former club committee and Ladies’ Singles finalist Christine Janes was celebrating 60 years since she reached the final today.

The Loughton-born sportswoman, 80, won a singles Grand Slam title at the French Championships in 1959 and was a finalist at Wimbledon in 1961, as well as also reavhing and the U.S. Championships

In December 1967, she married former Wasps player Gerry Janes and they have four children – including NIgel who joined her today.  

Former club committee and Ladies’ Singles Finalist Christine Janes was celebrating 60 years since she reached the final today. The Loughton-born sportswoman, 80, won a singles Grand Slam title at the French Championships in 1959 and was a finalist at Wimbledon in 1961, as well as also reavhing and the U.S. Championships In December 1967, she married former Wasps player Gerry Janes and they have four children – including NIgel who joined her today. 

 9. Angela Mortimer Barrett

 A former World number one tennis star and Ladies’ Singles champion from 1961, Angela Mortimer was joined by her husband and veteran BBC commentator John Barrett.

Mortimer has won three Grand Slam singles titles: the 1955 French Championships, the 1958 Australian Championships, and Wimbledon.

Angela, who is partially deaf, sported a yellow jacket and striped dress for the tennis today.

A former World number one tennis star and Ladies’ Singles Champion from 1961, Angela Mortimer (centre in yellow jacket) was joined by her husband and veteran BBC commentator John Barrett

10. Martina Navratilova

Considered one of the greatest tennis stars of all time, Czech-born Martina won Wimbledon Ladies title nine times between 1978 and 1990.

The 18-time Grand Slam winner sported a Rosie the Riveter ‘we can do it’ mask to the day, which she paired with a floral jacket and three necklaces. 

She was joined by her friend Mary Greenham, and sat next to fellow tennis legend Billie Jean King. 

Considered one of the greatest tennis stars of all time, Czech-born Martina won Wimbledon Ladies title nine times between 1978 and 1990.

The 18-time Grand Slam winner sported a Rosie the Riveter ‘we can do it’ mask to the day, which she paired with a floral jacket and three necklaces.

She was joined by her friend Mary Greenham, and sat next to fellow tennis legend Billie Jean King, and behind William and Kate

Feminist: The tennis star opted for a Rosie the Riveter mask and floral jacket while enjoying the London sunshine

11 & 12. Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss

Tennis icon Billie Jean King was joined by her life partner Illana Kloss in the box. 

King who won 12 Grand Slam titles between 1966 and 1976, is known for using her platform to advocate for social justice and equality, and she was a part of the ‘Original Nine’ who founded the first ever professional women’s tour.

South-African born Kloss played doubles with King  and the pair have been together since 1987.

Tennis icon Billie Jean King was joined by her life partner Illana Kloss in the box. She is pictured with Martina Navratilova

King who won 12 Grand Slam titles between 1966 and 1976, is known for using her platform to advocate for social justice and equality, and she was a part of the ‘Original Nine’ who founded the first ever professional women’s tour

South-African born Kloss played doubles with King and the pair have been together romantically since 1987.

13. Elaine Paige

The West End star, 73, was joined by her friend Corinne Anysz in the box today.

The actress has starred on the stage for more than 50 years, releasing more than 20 albums in the times.

14. Dame Penelope Keith 

Known for her roles in The Good Life and To the Manor Born, sitcom star Dame Penelope Keith was joined by her husband Rodney Timson. In her best summer dress, Dame Penelope, 81, sported pinstripe taupe suit and oversized boater hat to keep out of the sun.

Looking sharp: Penelope Keith, 81, meanwhile cut a striking figure in her beige pin-striped trouser suit which she matched with a wide-brimmed hat, as she made her way inside

Known for her roles in The Good Life and To the Manor Born, sitcom star Dame Penelope Keith was joined by her husband Rodney Timson.

In her best summer dress, Dame Penelope, 81, sported pinstripe taupe suit and oversized boater hat to keep out of the sun.

Adding a touch of glamour to the event, Penelope opted for a string of peals and complementing earrings, while she finished the look off with a stylish snakeskin bag.

Dressed in his best, Rodney opted for a two-piece grey suit. 

15. Maggie Smith 

Meanwhile, joining her fellow celebrities at the event was none other that film legend Dame Maggie Smith.

She was joined by her daughter-in-law Suki Stephens, who is married to Maggie’s son Chris Larkin.

The Harry Potter star, 86, arrived for the Ladies final in a chic coral blazer, which she matched with a navy top and trousers.

Meanwhile, joining her fellow celebrities at the event was none other that film legend Dame Maggie Smith. She was joined by her daughter-in-law Suki Stephens, who is married to Maggie’s son Chris Larkin.

There she is! Meanwhile, joining her fellow celebrities at the event was none other that film legend Dame Maggie Smith

 16 & 17. Lulu and Jordan Frieda

Lulu was joined by her son Jordan Frieda in the box.

The singing legend certainly made a style statement kin her bold tangerine blazer, which she teamed with a loose white cotton top and white skinny jeans.

The chart-topper boosted her height with a pair of green and red wedges, while she carried her essentials in a red handbag.

Her son Jordan, 44, who’s father in Lulu’s former husband celebrity hair stylist John Frieda, followed his mother into the limelight and in 2002 starred as Prince William in the film Prince William. The pair were at Eton together. 

Lulu was joined by her son Jordan Frieda in the box. The singing legend certainly made a style statement kin her bold tangerine blazer, which she teamed with a loose white cotton top and white skinny jeans.

Wimbledon style: The chart-topper boosted her height with a pair of green and red wedges, while she carried her essentials in a red handbag

Fabulous: Lulu meanwhile certainly made a style statement kin her bold tangerine blazer, which she teamed with a loose white cotton top and white skinny jeans

18 Priyanka Chopra Jonas 

Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas was joined in the royal box by her business woman friend Natasha Poonawalla.

The Indian born actress, 38, is spending the year in London living with her mother due to work commitments, but often travels to the US to see her popstar husband Nick Jonas.

The star is no stranger to royal events, a long term friend of Meghan Markle, she attended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wedding in 2018. 

Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas was joined in the royal box by her business woman friend Natasha Poonawalla.

The Indian born actress, 38, is spending the year in London living with her mother due to work commitments, but often travels to the US to see her popstar husband Nick Jonas.

The star is no stranger to royal events, a long term friend of Meghan Markle, she attended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wedding in 2018

19. Marcus Wareing 

Wimbledon locals Marcus and Jane Wareing were also spotted in the box. 

The MasterChef judge, 50,  has a Michelin Star at his eponymous London restaurant. 

Wimbledon locals Marcus and Jane Wareing were also spotted in the box. The MasterChef judge, 50, has a Michelin Star at his eponymous London restaurant.

20. Katherine Jenkins and Andrew Levitas

Welsh Mezzo-Soprano Katherine Jenkins looked on trend in a floral baby blue dress as she joined her dapper husband Andrew Levitas for a day at the tennis. 

Katherine, 41,  opted for a frilly dress while Andrew, 43, a painter and sculptuer , kept it cool in a deep blue suit, purple tie, and sunglasses.

An avid tennis fan, Katherine has been pictured at the event before. Today the couple were without their children Aaliyah, five and Xavier, three.

Welsh Mezzo-Soprano Katherine Jenkins looked on trend in a floral baby blue dress as she joined her dapper husband Andrew Levitas for a day at the tennis. Katherine, 41, opted for a frilly dress while Andrew, 43, a painter and sculptuer , kept it cool in a deep blue suit, purple tie, and sunglasses.