Who’s who in the Royal Box: Claire Foy, Princess Michael of Kent, David Beckham and Richard Branson

The Royal Box is Wimbledon’s front row of the fashion world, open to only the blue-blooded, the rich and the famous. 

Today marks the ninth day at Wimbledon, and with it came a particularly star-studded list of guests, including politicians, actors and even a royal face. 

Princess Michael of Kent, David Beckham, Richard Branson and Claire Foy were among the famous faces dotted around the Royal Box, watching players including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal take to the court.

Serena Wiliams, who is is currently one match away from equalling the women’s record for the most grand slam wins, beat Barbora Strýcová today, amid a series of high profile games watched by the VIP crowd.

Past faces in the box have included the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and the Middleton family, among others.

Sir Richard Branson, who attended with his daughter Holly today, said the atmosphere of Wimbledon was the biggest draw.

He admitted Serena Williams is the only player he actually recognised today, adding ahead of her win: ‘The only player I know is Serena so obviously I will be looking forward to watching her play – we wish there were some English stars but maybe another year.

‘I’m just looking forward to enjoying Wimbledon and its beauty, and hopefully having some strawberries and cream.’

Dame Maggie Smith and Queen drummer Roger Taylor will also have had the best view of Williams’s triumph over Czech player Barbora, from the Royal Box on Centre Court on Thursday afternoon.

Model Jodie Kidd was spotted in the grounds wearing a salmon pink sundress and shades, while Sir Cliff Richard returned for the third day in a row.

1. Princess Michael of Kent

The royal is married to Prince Michael of Kent, who is the paternal first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and the grandson of King George V, and shares the family’s love for tennis.

2. Phillip Brook

He was elected chairman of Wimbledon’s All England Club in 2011, and is a former captain of Cambridge University’s tennis team.

3, 4. John and Norma Major 

The former Prime Minister, 76, who was at Number 10 for seven years, and his wife made a rare public appearance today.

5. Gill Brook

The wife of Wimbledon chairman Phillip Brook was on hand to chat with the Majors.

Richard Branson was seen having a good laugh with John Major and wife Norma, as David Beckham looked on in the background

The former Prime Minister John Major, 76, who was at Number 10 for seven years, and his wife made a rare public appearance today. Left to right: John Major, Norma Major and Gill Brook, the wife of Wimbledon chairman Phillip Brook

6. Dame Maggie Smith 

Downton Abbey star and two-time Oscar winner Dame Maggie Smith, 83, represented the world of acting.

7, 8. Claire and Caroline Foy

The Crown actress was seen looking excited about her goody bag as she watched the match with mum Caroline, admiring the contents which included hand cream, sun lotion, refresher wipes, lip balm, a box of mints and an Evian face spray. 

9, 10. David and Sandra Beckham

The former football player was spotted wearing a Ralph Lauren Tan Linen Blazer, Striped Contrast Collar Shirt, Black Silk Tie and Charcoal Trousers to the 2019 Wimbledon Championships in London today, taking his mum Sandra, who looked chic in pink.

11, 12. Holly and Richard Branson

Virgin boss Richard enjoyed an afternoon out with his daughter Holly, a former doctor who now works for her father’s charities.

The Crown actress was seen looking excited about her goody bag as she watched the match with mum Caroline, admiring the contents which included hand cream, sun lotion, refresher wipes, lip balm, a box of mints and an Evian face spray

13. Cliff Richard 

Musician Sir Cliff Richard, 78, an avid tennis fan, is a regular at the prestigious event and famously sang for 20 minutes from the audience after rain stopped play during a match in 1996.

14. James Norton

British Grantchester actor James was seen looking focused as he watched the match, putting on a suave display dressed in a suit and shades.

15, 16. Professor Toope and Paula Rosen

Current 346th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Stephen Toope was pictured with his wife Paula.

17.   Kristen Tomassi

Richard Branson’s mother attended along with the media mogul and his son, for a fun family day out.

The former football player was spotted wearing a Ralph Lauren Tan Linen Blazer, Striped Contrast Collar Shirt, Black Silk Tie and Charcoal Trousers to the 2019 Wimbledon Championships in London today, taking his mum Sandra, who looked chic in pink

18.  Philippe Baijot 

Philippe is the President of Champagne Lanson group, one of the oldest and most iconic Champagne houses.

19, 20. Jim Courier and Susanna Lingman

Jim, 48, is an American former No. 1 tennis player, and attended the match with wife of nine years Susanna, with whom he shares two children.

21, 22. Surinder and Sunita Arora 

Surinder is an Indian Punjabi British businessman who came to England aged 13, and went on to build a hotel empire. Attending the match with his wife, he is estimated to be worth £356 million.

23. Charles Trippe 

Charles served as president of the Lawn Tennis Association from 2003 until 2005, before being elected to the International Tennis Federation board in 2005 and served as an ITF vice-president until 2009. 

Princess Michael of Kent, seen above, is married to Prince Michael of Kent, who is the paternal first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, and the grandson of King George V, and shares the family’s love for tennis

Musician Sir Cliff Richard, 78, an avid tennis fan, is a regular at the prestigious event and famously sang for 20 minutes from the audience after rain stopped play during a match in 1996

24. Barbara Schett-Eagle 

Austrian ex tennis player Barbara was seen in the crowd, arriving with pal Birgit Rieder.

25. Chris Evans 

Telegraph editor Chris Evans, 50, was pictured among the star-studded crowd. 

26. Pam Shriver

Pam, a US tennis star who won 21 titles attended with pal Ana Belton. 

27. Craig Tiley

CEO of Tennis Australia, former SA player Craig was also seen watching the matches.

28. Daniela Hantuchova

Daniela is a retired Slovakian player, who defeated Martina Hingis in the 2002 final, becoming the lowest-ranked player to ever win the tournament.

Serena Wiliams, who is is currently one match away from equalling the women’s record for the most grand slam wins, beat Barbora Strýcová today, amid a series of high profile games watched by the VIP crowd