Who’s who in the royal box at Wimbledon? Sir Mark Rylance, Princess Michael of Kent and Prince Albert of Monaco join Lenny Henry and Sir Cliff Richard as week two gets underway

The second week of Wimbledon officially got underway today and unsurprisingly, Centre Court’s Royal Box was brimming with high-profile tennis fans.

As the name suggests, the box often houses members of the Royal Family, notably the Princess of Wales, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. 

Although Kate Middleton herself has so far not attended SW19 this year as she continues her recovery from cancer treatment, royals and other celebrities have attended in their dozens. 

Prince Albert of Monaco was joined by his cousin’s daughter Melanie-Antoinette Costello de Massy for a thrilling afternoon of sport.

Meanwhile, legendary actor Sir Mark Rylance – who is preparing for his upcoming West End role in Juno and the Paycock – was also given a spot in the front row in the exclusive seating area.

What’s more, comedian Lenny Henry was also pictured with his partner Lisa Makin while the Duchess of Gloucester appeared in animated conversation with Deborah Jevans, the chairwoman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Here FEMAIL reveals the high-profile guests you may have missed at Wimbledon today. 

Prince Albert of Monaco

Prince Albert II of Monaco has been the monarch of the principality since March 2005. He acceded to the throne following the death of his father, Prince Rainier.

The father-of-four is married to Princess Charlene of Monaco, a South African former Olympic swimmer, who was noticeably absent from Wimbledon today.

Prince Albert had a sporting career of his own, representing Monaco in the bobsleigh in the Winter Olympics for five years in a row.

The royal – who attends Wimbledon every year – clearly has a keen interest in the sport.

Albert and Princess Charlene also stepped out with their nine-year-old son Prince Jacques at the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters in April. 

Melanie Antoinette-Costello de Massy

A first cousin once removed of Prince Albert II of Monaco, Melanie-Antoinette Costello de Massy, 38, accompanied the Monegasque royal to Wimbledon in 2023 and has returned this year.

Melanie-Antoinette, who was by Prince Albert’s side at various events when Princess Charlene was being treated for exhaustion in South Africa in 2020, is known to be a strong support for the royal family of Monaco.

She has inherited the role of royal confidante from her mother, Elizabeth-Anne de Massy, who was the daughter of Antoniette, Prince Rainier III’s sister, and tennis star Alejandro Athenase Noghès.

According to Vanity Fair, Antoinette and her second partner Dr Jean-Charles Rey, who was president of the Conseil National, Monaco’s parliament, plotted to overthrow Prince Rainier. 

Sir Cliff Richard 

Less than a week after his first Wimbledon 2024 appearance, Sir Cliff Richard was back in the Royal Box today. 

Cliff Richard, 83, is a British singer and actor known for hits including Move It and Devil Woman.

He also found success with films such as The Young Ones, Summer Holiday and Wonderful Life.

Most recently, the musician revealed he would jump at the chance to duet with Taylor Swift because it would allow him to finally crack America.

The singer, 83, thinks it would be a no-brainer to work with Taylor, 34, given she has become one of the most well-known performers in the world.

Speaking to The Sun in December, he said: ‘She’s the biggest artist on the planet. If she asked me, I’d say, “Yes please,” because I’m sure it would be a big hit.

‘And it might be an introduction for me in America because I’ve failed in America, apart from what Elton John did for me with two songs.’

Sir Mark Rylance 

Sir Mark Rylance was another keen tennis fan who was in the Royal Box today.

The Academy Award winner is last known to have attended Wimbledon in 2022 – where he watched Nick Kyrgios play Brandon Nakashima in a fiery match. 

For the occasion, Mark, 64, wore a green tweed jacket and black-and-white printed bow tie.

The star, who was born in Ashford, Kent,  and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1980.

As well as being a critically acclaimed stage actor, Mark is best known for his performances in Bridge of Spies, Dunkirk and The Other Boleyn Girl.

Robert MacIntyre and Shannon Hartley 

Golfer Robert MacIntyre also bagged a spot in the Royal Box with his girlfriend Shannon Hartley today.

Although the couple are incredibly private, they are thought to have begun dating in 2023.

Shannon looked stylish in a white broderie anglaise shirt dress while Robert was dapper in a blue tweed suit.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Scottish golfer opened up about how difficult they found living in America at times.

He said: ‘When I go back home, it’s a lot of friends and family you get to spend time with – everyone that’s close to me and really cares for me.

‘When I’m in America, it’s just me, my girlfriend, and we’re trying to live as good a life as we can. But it’s difficult when we’re both so close to family and friends.’ 

Shane Lowry and Wendy Honner

Shane Lowry was spotted in the Royal Box with his wife Wendy Honner this afternoon. 

The Irish golfer, 37, opted for a light grey suit, blue shirt and navy tie for the occasion.

Meanwhile, Wendy coordinated in a blue-and-white striped dress and navy blazer.

The couple married in 2016 and share their daughters Iris, seven, and Ivy, two.

Earlier this year, Shane spoke exclusively to the MailOnline about the future of his career.

The sportsman said: ‘You certainly do start to question yourself. I mean, 37 is not a big birthday. I know it’s not old. But you don’t know if your best is behind you or ahead, do you?’ 

Lenny Henry and Lisa Makin 

Lenny Henry and his partner Lisa Makin were another couple who bagged two of the best seats on Centre Court today.

The comedian, 65, looked smart in a beige suit, paisley shirt and mauve tie while Lisa was chic in a cream blazer. 

The pair first started dating all the way back in 2012 and have remained pretty tight lipped about their relationship.

According to Imdb, Lisa has been credited as a casting director for several mini-series including Peaches, Mine All Mine, Aberfan: The Untold Story and more.

When asked if he would tie the knot with his long-term girlfriend whilst chatting with the Times in 2023, Lenny didn’t confirm or deny.

After being pressed on the matter, he joked: ‘Have you been talking to Lisa? No comment.’

Lenny Henry was previously married to fellow comedian Dawn French. 

Matthew Fitzpatrick 

Matthew Fitzpatrick joined a long list of golfers who were invited to sit in the Royal Box at Wimbledon today.

The star, 29, from Sheffield, opted for a brown-and-white checked suit and brown tie for the occasion. 

The golfer won the British Masters in 2015 before going on to take first place in the US. Open in 2022.

His Wimbledon appearance comes as the English sportsman revealed why he prefers the Pinehurst ‘torture chamber’ despite his nightmare 79.

Luke Donald 

English professional golfer Luke Donald, 46, is another sportsman who swapped clubs for tennis rackets today.

The former world number one looked dapper in a blue suit and purple tie as he took his spot in the second row of the Royal Box.

He claimed the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking after his May 2011 win in the BMW PGA Championship, which took place at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey.

Donald remained world number one for 40 weeks before being usurped by Northern Irish golfer Rory Mcllroy – but Donald soon clinched the top spot again.

Deborah Jevans 

Unsurprisingly, Deborah Jevans – the chairwoman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – had one of the best seats in the Royal Box today.

The former tennis star enjoyed a successful tennis career which saw her power through 10 Grand Slam singles tournaments and face off the legendary Virginia Wade.

In January 2023, Deborah was appointed the first female Chair of Wimbledon – after spending decades paving the way for other women in the industry. 

Aged just 27, she became director of the Women’s Game at the International Tennis Federation – and four years later in 1991, rose to General Secretary. 

Duchess of Gloucester 

Brigitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, 78, married Queen Elizabeth’s cousin, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, in 1972.

As a working member of the British royal family, Danish-born Brigitte works with more than 60 charitable organisations spanning a wide range of sectors, including the arts, sport and education.

The couple share three children – Lady Davina Windsor, Lady Rose Gilman and Alexander Windsor, Earl of Ulster.

Brigitte was seated in the Royal Box next to Deborah Jevans, CBE, Chairwoman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club – the first woman to hold the post.

With a string of pearls around her neck and a navy jacket, Brigitte looked typically elegant in a navy jacket.

Tommy Fleetwood

Tommy Fleetwood is a 33-year-old English professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour and the European Tour, winning on the latter seven times.

Hailing from Southport, Merseyside, Fleetwood now lives in Dubai with his wife and manager Clare Craig, who is 23 years his senior. The couple share son Frankie.

In April of this year, Fleetwood finished in third place – tied with Max Homa and Collin Morikawa – in the Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia, US.

Seated beside his wife in the Royal Box, Fleetwood looked dapper in a navy suit and stripy blue tie.

Princess Michael of Kent 

Princess Michael of Kent, 79, whose full name is Marie Christine Anna Agnes Hedwig Ida von Reibnitz, is the wife of Prince Michael of Kent.

She married Prince Michael, King Charles III’s first cousin once removed, in 1978 and the couple share two children – Lady Gabriella Windsor and Lord Frederick Windsor.

Lady Gabriella Windsor lost her husband, Thomas Kingston, a British diplomat and financier, in February 2024 when he was just 45.

She recently appeared at Royal Ascot with Princess Anne and her daughter Zara Tindall, who embraced her warmly.

Seated in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, Princess Michael of Kent was dressed for the cool weather in a pale blue wool coat and a white polo neck.