No members of the Royal Family have turned up to attend the first day of Wimbledon, as celebrities stole the spotlight instead.
Whilst the Royal Box was notably absent of members of the firm, it has already been filled with a star-studded line up consisting of sport stars, actors, and presenters.
David Attenborough and David Beckham were both in attendance as the tennis tournament kicked off today – both Davids appeared to be in great spirits as they greeted each other, before taking their individual seats.
Sat just behind the football legend was singer Katherine Jenkins and Pointless host Alexander Armstrong, who shared a joke in the booth.
TV royalty were also in attendance on day one of the popular sporting event, with Alison Hammond, Lorraine Kelly, and Myleene Klass all being pictured at the tournament.
However, no members of the Royal Family were to be seen, after a year plagued with troubles for the King and co.
The Princess of Wales, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment, did not make an appearance. She has been there nearly every year since 2011 and is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Wimbledon chiefs have admitted they “don’t know” who will present trophies at this year’s tennis tournament, however will give Kate as much “flexibility as possible” as she continues her treatment.
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Sir David Attenborough and Debbie Jevans in the royal box on centre court on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London
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All England Club chair Deborah Jevans said organisers would consider what to do “nearer the time if necessary” as Kate returns to public duties after months on the sidelines battling the illness.
Jevans told Telegraph Sport: “We’re hopeful that the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophies as the Club’s patron, but her health and recovery is the priority.”
Royal expert Emily Andrews has speculated that Kate may indeed make an appearance at Wimbledon this month.
Writing in Grazia, she said: “Her treatment is ongoing, and will be for the next few months, but I understand she would like to visit the Wimbledon tennis tournament – she is a patron – if she feels up to it.”
David Beckham in the royal box of centre court on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London
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Katherine Jenkins and Andrew Levitas in the royal box on centre court on day one of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London
PA
King Charles, who was also diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, did not take a seat in the royal booth today. Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace confirmed that his summer programme would be reeled in to allow for a stronger recovery.
He is still expected to travel halfway around the globe to visit Australia and Samoa for a Commonwealth summit in October, but additional legs of the trip to fellow South Pacific states New Zealand and Fiji had reportedly been canned as the 75-year-old monarch continues his treatment for the illness.
Since 1922, the Royal Box, situated in the prime-viewing slot at Centre Court, has been used for the entertainment of friends and guests of Wimbledon.
It has 74 exclusive seats and invitations are sent by the Chairman of the All England Club, however, members of The Championships’ Organising Committee and The Lawn Tennis Association can make suggestions.
Wimbledon 2024 began today and lasts for a total of 14 days, concluding on July 14.