Royal Style at Wimbledon: A Legacy of Elegance and Fashion
As the Wimbledon Championships approach, the spotlight isn’t just on the thrilling matches played on Centre Court. Off-court, the royal family continues to make a significant impact with their fashion choices, adding a touch of regal elegance to the event.
The royal family’s connection to Wimbledon is deeply rooted in history, with Queen Elizabeth II serving as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) since 1952. This role is now held by the Princess of Wales, who, along with her children, has become a regular presence at the tournament. Their appearances in the royal box are highly anticipated, continuing a tradition that has spanned decades.
Here are some of the most memorable royal fashion moments at Wimbledon:
1. Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II made her debut as monarch at Wimbledon in 1957. Her choice of a midi-length dress, featuring a cinched waist and full skirt, reflected the popular Fifties silhouette. The vibrant floral print was perfectly suited for a summer event, and she completed the look with her signature accessories: multiple strings of pearls, elegant gloves, and a classic handbag.
2. Princess Diana
Diana, Princess of Wales, evolved her Wimbledon wardrobe alongside the changing fashion trends. In the 1980s, bold shoulders and prominent collars were in vogue, but her style shifted in the following 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 move towards a more minimalist aesthetic, yet its striking colour and gold detailing ensured she stood out, complemented by chunky gold jewellery.
3. Kate Middleton
The Princess of Wales, who has been the patron of the AELTC since 2016, has made several notable fashion statements at Wimbledon. In 2016, she wore a bright yellow midi dress by Roksanda, featuring short sleeves and contrasting white panels. This marked the start 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. She embraced her signature relaxed-yet-chic style, choosing a blue and white Ralph Lauren shirt paired with wide-leg white trousers. While stripes are a Wimbledon fashion staple, Meghan added her own flair with a slightly oversized, menswear-inspired silhouette, finishing the outfit with a white straw hat and sunglasses.
5. Kate Middleton
The Princess of Wales makes another appearance on this list, highlighting her numerous fashion 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.
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