Pippa Middleton may be closely associated with Catherine, Princess of Wales, but even that wasn’t enough to bypass one of Wimbledon’s long-standing traditions.
Kate is a devoted tennis fan and a familiar face in the prestigious Royal Box at Wimbledon, where she regularly watches matches as patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. She also enjoys playing tennis herself, often hitting the court with Prince William at their home, Anmer Hall.
Over the years, members of the Middleton family—including Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, and her sister Pippa—have frequently attended Wimbledon and have often been invited to sit in the exclusive Royal Box alongside members of the Royal Family and other distinguished guests.
However, in 2017, Pippa and Carole reportedly missed out on those coveted seats after arriving late for a match. According to reports, Wimbledon’s strict protocol does not allow late entry into the Royal Box, regardless of a guest’s status or connections. As a result, security directed the pair to alternative seating instead.
Although they were unable to take their places in the Royal Box, they still enjoyed the day’s tennis from different seats.
The incident highlighted just how seriously Wimbledon enforces its traditions. The Royal Box operates under firm etiquette rules, and even high-profile guests are expected to follow them without exception.
In recent years, the Royal Box has welcomed a wide range of notable guests, including actors Kate Winslet, Tom Cruise, and Andrew Garfield.
For Pippa, the experience was likely a memorable reminder that at Wimbledon, arriving on time is just as important as receiving the invitation.