Zara and Mike Tindall were both in attendance at Wimbledon today, but the couple did not sit in the Royal box despite having a number of Royal relatives

Zara and Mike Tindall wave at the Queen and Peter Phillips who are in the Royal Box (Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)

Zara and Mike Tindall, known for their regular appearances at high-profile sporting events, were spotted at Wimbledon enjoying the quarter-final action on Centre Court. And yet, despite being Royal favourites and having Royal connections, the couple did not sit in the esteemed Royal box, a privilege extended to Zara’s older brother, Peter Phillips.

Peter, Princess Anne’s eldest son, watched the match alongside his new girlfriend, Harriet Sperling, and Queen Camilla. However, Zara and Mike sat elsewhere, a decision seemingly influenced by one of Zara’s roles outside of the family.

As well as being a champion equestrian and mother of three, Zara is also a brand ambassador for several luxury firms, including Rolex, a main sponsor of Wimbledon. Consequently, she and Mike occupied seats reserved for Rolex invitees rather than joining her brother and aunt in the Royal box.

The parents of the Princess of Wales were also present at Wimbledon but did not sit in the Royal Box, although they had secured these prestigious seats during their visit to the tournament the previous week.

Queen Camilla in the royal box on day ten of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London. Picture date: Wednesday July 10, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story TENNIS Wimbledon. Photo credit should read: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use without prior written consent of the AELTC. Still image use only – no moving images to emulate broadcast. No superimposing or removal of sponsor/ad logos. (Image: PA)

Entry to the prestigious Royal box at Wimbledon is by invitation only, with a mere 74 luxury seats available for an exquisite selection of guests – including heads of government, international tennis heavyweights, commercial partners, distinguished media outfits, and fervent promoters of British tennis, among others, reports the Mirror.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, took a surprise trip to Wimbledon today, where she was seen soaking up the quarter-final action on Centre Court. The senior Royal opted for a cream linen dress adorned with large giraffe motifs designed by Anna Valentine, complemented by a Jack Russell brooch from Van Cleef and Arpels for her outing at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Upon her arrival, Camilla encountered former tennis star Laura Robson, presently serving in international player relations. The Queen clearly relished her excursion, noting that it was “so nice to be able to escape for a day”.

Furthermore, the Duchess expressed admiration for Wimbledon’s head gardener Martyn Falconer, who has faithfully maintained the club’s picturesque landscape for 25 years. “It all looks fantastic. It always looks absolutely perfect,” she commended.

Peter Phillips with Harriet Sperling. 10.7.2024 Picture by Tim Merry (Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)

In an unexpected twist, the Duchess met a namesake young Camila, daughter of Mexican doubles player Santiago Gonzalez after the bold child introduced herself to the Royal guest. Struck by the coincidence, the Queen humorously remarked “fancy having two Camillas here”, and suggested a photo together.

Curious about young Camila’s tournament pass, Her Majesty held the lanyard to view it closely.

Later, Camilla made her way to the Royal box on Centre Court, where she was accompanied by Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus, actors Richard E Grant and Sir David Suchet, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and former Conservative Party leader Lord Hague.