Who’s who in the royal box at Wimbledon? Poets, writers and musicians including Dave Grohl, Simon Le Bon and Sir Jackie Stewart watch the action of Day Two at SW19

It’s one of the biggest events in the sport’s calendar – and always attracts an interesting crowd of tennis fans.

From royalty to A-listers, some of the high-profile faces at the two-week event will have been offered a coveted spot in the Royal Box.

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

However, while it isn’t known whether the royal will attend this year’s tournament, other recognisable faces were in the box today, including musician Simon Le Bon and veteran racing driver Sir Jackie Stewart among others. 

Here, FEMAIL reveals some of the high-profile guests in the Royal Box at Wimbledon today.

Dave Grohl and Jordyn Blum

Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl looked a world away from his usual rockstar appearance as he smartened up for day two of Wimbledon on Tuesday. 

Joined by his wife Jordyn Blum, the musician tied his unruly long curls back in a pony tail as he ditched his casual shirt, jeans and guitar for a suit for the tennis tournament. 

Dave, 55, who butted heads with Taylor Swift last week, is currently in the UK touring with the US band before they head to Poland to play on Wednesday. 

American musician David Grohl (pictured, right) attended the tournament with his wife Jordyn Blum (pictured, left)

WATCHING THE ACTION: At one point, Foo Fighters musician Dave Grohl (pictured, right) was seen pointing out something to his wife Jordyn (pictured, left)

The star wore a dark suit with a gold tie, white shirt and Dolce & Gabbana loafers as he was seen smiling in his shades. 

Meanwhile Jordyn, with whom Dave shares daughter Violet, Harper and Ophelia, looked stylish in a lilac blazer and matching midi dress. 

Cliff Richard

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

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 Trevor McDonald

Sir Trevor McDonald (front) was pictured sitting with Cliff Richard at Wimbledon today in a dapper blue suit, crisp white shirt and pink tie

Sir Trevor McDonald was pictured sitting with Cliff Richard at Wimbledon today in a dapper blue suit, crisp white shirt and pink tie.

He has been dubbed one of Britain’s most respected broadcasters and has had a long career in presenting television news.

Sir McDonald is perhaps best known for fronting ITN’s News at Ten, Tonight with Trevor McDonald.

He was knighted in 1999 for his services to journalism, was named Newscaster of the Year three times and he has received Honorary Degrees from various universities.

During his career, he made documentaries on topics such as Death Row and UK killers, and the Caribbean.

He initially retired in 2005, but then came out of retirement to present News at Ten. However, a couple of years later in 2008, he gave his last News at Ten bulletin

He has made other appearances on television specials such as the The Killing of PC Harper: A Wife’s Story and Pride of Britain: A Windrush Special for ITV.

Ronnie O’Sullivan 

Snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan appeared to be watching the match intently from his prestigious seat in the Royal Box

English snooker player Ronnie was pictured at the Royal Box on day two of Wimbledon. He is a  seven-time world champion.

But earlier this year Ronnie crashed out of the World Snooker Championships after he was beaten by qualifier Stuart Bingham 13-10 in the quarter-finals in May. 

Ronnie was heavily backed as the favourite ahead of the match, but after the pair came into the final session all-square at 8-8, Bingham pulled away from the world No 1 and wrapped up the tie by reeling off the final three frames. 

Afterwards, O’Sullivan told EuroSport: ‘I’ve enjoyed the tournament, for me it’s been a great tournament. 

‘I’ve actually started getting through the ball, which is a great thing for me at tournaments – but you just want to be enjoying the game. 

‘For me, there’s been a lot of progress. I lost a snooker match tonight. Stuart deserved the victory, he played really well, I tried to hang on in there but it just wasn’t to be.’

Simon Le Bon

Former Duran Duran star Simon Le Bon watches the action from the Royal Box during day two of Wimbledon

The front man of Princess Diana’s favourite band, Duran Duran, looked cool in an all-white ensemble as he sat in the royal box to watch the action.

He paired his outfit with aviator-style sunglasses and sported clean shaven look.

Le Bon, 65, has been married to his glamorous wife Yasmin for 39 years and the pair share three children.

Tallulah Le Bon

Tallulah Le Bon is a model booker and the youngest of Simon and Yasmin Le Bon’s three daughters.

She has previously shared images of herself attending sporting events with her father, including football matches.

Sir Jackie Stewart and Mark Stewart

The 85-year-old has been married to his childhood sweetheart Lady Helen since 1962, and the couple share two sons – Paul and Mark

Former F1 driver Sir Jackie (aka the Flying Scotsman) appears to be a keen tennis fan, as he has been spotted in Wimbledon’s famous Royal Box before. 

The 85-year-old has been married to his childhood sweetheart Lady Helen since 1962, and the couple share two sons – Paul and Mark.

Last year, Sir Jackie revealed in a heartbreaking update that Lady Helen, who suffers from frontotemporal dementia, can no longer walk.

However, he didn’t attend the tournament alone today, as he was accompanied by his son Mark.  

Dr & Mrs Brian Hainline 

It’s no surprise to see Dr Brian Hainline in Wimbledon’s Royal Box, as he has a very strong connection to the sport, as president of the United States Tennis Association.

Described on his LinkedIn page as ‘an internationally recognised expert in sport-related concussion and mental health in elite athletes’, he is currently also Chief Medical Officer of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

In addition to listing his professional accomplishments, and recognition within his field, his page also describes his enjoyment of sport. 

‘He is passionate about mentoring societal leaders about sport’s far-reaching potential, peak performance in sport as a metaphor for life, and mental health and wellness in sport and society at large,’ it reads.

Dr Hainline attended Wimbledon today with his wife. 

Deborah Jevans

British former tennis player Deborah Jevans CBE has been at the hallowed location numerous times, as a former junior Wimbledon champion.

She also played 10 times in the women’s singles (between 1979 and 1983). Her best result was reaching the fourth round, when she lost to fifth-seeded Virginia Wade.

Ms Jevans also played in the doubles event, reaching the quarter finals of the mixed doubles event in 1978, playing with her future husband and Wimbledon referee Andrew Jarrett.

She became the first chairwoman of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Board in 2023, succeeding Ian Hewitt.

In 2013, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours due to her services to Sport and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games’, when she served as director of sports for the event.

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

Mark Precious

Another athlete sitting in one of the sought after spots in the Royal Box today was Mark Precious, a former student at University College in Oxford.

The former field hockey player won the bronze medal with the British team at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

Sandi Procter 

The Lawn Tennis Association’s President Sandi Procter was also spotted happily watching the Wimbledon action today.

Sandi is currently the second female president of the LTA and will serve in the role for the next two years.

The tennis fan previously worked as a PE teacher before becoming a coach. She was working as the manager of Bromley Tennis Centre when US Open winner Emma Raduncau was based there.

Anil and Preety Jhingan

Anil Jhingan is President and Managing Director of Asia Pacific at Discovery, Inc, and and President & MD, APAC at Warner Bros. Discovery.  

Mr Jhingan, who was made a Non-Executive Directors on the LTA Board in 2021, was joined by his wife Preety at today’s event.

Simon Jones

Tennis coach Simon Jones was previously a professional athlete who played at Wimbledon qualifying.

He was appointed an LTA National Coach in 1990, and went on to lead 14 GB boys to the European and World titles.

He established the first LTA Academy at the University of Bath in 1995, where he was Team Bath Director of Coaching. At the same time, he was also part of the Great Britain Davis Cup Team support staff.

In 2019, he left the LTA Executive Team, where he was a regular attendee at the LTA Main Board, to take consultancy roles in football, working as the Head of Coach Development at Chelsea FC and Coaching advisor to the Premier League.

Simon Jones is currently  Head of Performance at Chelsea FC (Academy).

David Rawlinson

The previous LTA President, David Rawlinson’s term ended in December 2023, when he was succeeded by Sandi Procter.  

Yousef Al-Obaidly  

CEO of sports, entertainment and media organisation beIN Media Group, Yousef Al-Obaidly from Qatar was named among the top 10 sports influencers in 2020.

He is partly known for his influence on the conversation around anti-piracy in sports media.

However, Al-Obaidly is also involved in sports, and holds a number of board positions including at Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG), Paris Saint-Germain Handball, Qatar Sports Investments (PSG’s owners), and the Qatar Tennis Federation.

He also has other interest in communications companies. 

Mohammad Al-Subaie 

Al-Subaie is listed as the Executive Director of Commercial Affairs at beIN SPORTS.

He joined Al Jazeera Sports as Director of Digital Media in 2013 and has since gone on to serve as a board member in Qatar Sports Investments, Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, and the Qatar Tennis Federation.

Bridie and Richard Amos

Bridie Amos, who sat in the Royal Box alongside her husband Richard, is Development and LTA Liaison.  

Andy and Lisa Anson

Andy Anson is CEO of the British Olympic Association and chairman of Lancashire Cricket Club. 

He has a background in tennis, and was previously chief executive of the Association of Tennis Professionals in Europe (ATP Europe), a role he took up in 2007, and remained in for two-and-a-half years.

In addition, he served as chairman of the ATP Finals at The O2 Arena in London. He also served as co-CEO of the ATP Champions Tour, a tournament for former professional players.

He attended Wimbledon today with his wife Lisa Anson. 

Jean-Luc and Nathalie Barrière 

Jean-Luc Barrière, of the French Tennis Federation (which hosts the clay-court Grand Slam at Roland-Garros) took his seat in the Royal Box alongside his wife Nathalie today.

Sir Bill and Lady Beaumont

Bill Beaumont (pictured, right) President of World Rugby, was just one of the former athletes in the Royal Box today

Sir Bill, who has been Chairman of World Rugby since 1 July 2016, attended with his wife Lady Beaumont

Former rugby union player Sir William Blackledge Beaumont was captain of the England rugby union team, earning 34 caps.

Sir Bill, who has been Chairman of World Rugby since 1 July 2016, attended with his wife Lady Beaumont. 

Jeremy and Jennifer Bowen

Welsh journalist and television presenter Jeremy Bowen was the the BBC’s Middle East correspondent based in Jerusalem between 1995 and 2000.

Before his appointment as International Editor of BBC News in August 2022, he was the broadcaster’s Middle East editor from 2005.

He was accompanied to Wimbledon today by his mother Jennifer. 

Baroness Sue Campbell of Loughborough and Emma Keman-Staines

After a 55-year career in sports administration – including a role a chair of UK Sport between 2003 and 2013 – Baroness Sue Campbell is used to watching athletics of the highest level.

She is set to retire from her current role as the FA’s Director of Women’s Football later this year, after taking up the position in 2016 and enjoying significant success in the job.

Emma Keman-Staines, her PA, joined her at Wimbledon today. 

Alastair Campbell and Anisa Missaghi

Former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell (pictured, left) attended the event with communications professional Anisa Missaghi (pictured, right)

Alastair Campbell and Anisa Missaghi seemed to be deep in conversation as they took to their seats in the Royal Box

Best known as Labour’s former spin doctor, Alastair Campbell attended Wimbledon with Anisa Missaghi, Chief Corporate Affairs and Communications Officer for pladis, which owns McVitie’s.

In 2021, the now writer, consultant strategist and mental health campaigner Alastair joined an advisory board created by pladis.

According to the brand, the board is ‘made up of established leaders in the field of inclusion and diversity to support pladis’ journey to create a vibrant, inclusive and diverse workforce’.

Bob Everitt

Bob Everitt is a tennis historian, known to have co-authored The Birth of Lawn Tennis with Richard Hillway. 

Sam Galsworthy and Fairfax Hall

Sam Galsworthy and Fairfax Hall are childhood friends, as well as the co-founders of London-based prestige gin company Sipsmith.

The pair sold their first bottles of the spirit in a single Waitrose store in 2010 before it grew to become one of the nation’s favourite brands.

This isn’t the pair’s first visit to the Royal Box: they were snapped together last year, again visiting the tournament on the second day.

Pictured: Jackie Stewart, former racing driver and son Mark Stewart are seen in the Royal Box during the Ladies’ Singles first round match between Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain

Tony Godisck 

Tony Godsick is no stranger to Wimbledon: as the president and CEO of TEAM8, the New York native has represented Roger Federer – considered by some to be the greatest male tennis player of all time – since 2005.

He also represents Juan Martín del Potro, another extremely successful tennis player.

Caspar Coppetti, who accompanied Tony in the Royal Box today, is best known as one of the entrepreneurs behind 

performance sports brand On, of which Roger Federer is both a collaborator and investor.

Dr Kate Godfree

Dr Kate Godfree is a chartered psychologist specialising in health and wellbeing in the workplace.

She currently works as a health and wellbeing adviser at Moorfields Eye Hospital, a role she started in 2022.

She previously held a role as a research fellow at Loughborough University to work on a return to work pilot funded by Midlands Engine during the pandemic.

She has studied at a range of British universities from 2008 to 2020, gaining the qualifications she needs to progress in her field.

This includes doing her Bsc in psychology at Durham University in 2008 and staying on to complete a Masters degree in Developmental Psychopathology in 2011.

Dr Godfree then moved to the University of Surrey to do her Masters degree in Occupational and Organisational Psychology in 2013.

She moved to Kingston University to complete her PhD in Occupational Psychology in 2016, where she spent four years studying and completing her thesis: ‘I always feel that I’m underestimated’: Obesity stigma in the workplace.

Pictured: Simon Le Bon looks on from the Royal Box during the Ladies’ Singles first round match

David and Liz Leary Haggerty 

David Haggerty – who has been the President of the International Tennis Federation since 2015 – attended Wimbledon with his wife Liz today.

He has also been a member of the International Olympic Committee for four years, as well as being a board member for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

It’s not the first time the pair have been spotted at the event – as they are, for obvious reasons, tennis fans!

Rupert and Charlotte Hampel

Rupert Hampel is the Executive Vice President of IMG Media – a ‘global sports & culture company, specializing in rights, data, digital, partnerships, events, consulting, studios and more’.

He attended with his wife Charlotte. 

The Reverend Mandy Hodgson and Ms Linda Wisheart

Reverend Mandy Hodgson is the Team Rector Parish of Wimbledon at St Mary’s Church.

She was accompanied by a Ms Linda Wisheart. 

Richard Hillway and Christine Jones

Richard Hillway is a tennis writer who has penned a selection of works around the sport, notably The Birth of Lawn Tennis, which he co-authored with Bob Everitt.

He was accompanied by Christine Jones. 

Mayor Sana Jafri and Mahjabeen Qureshi

San Jafri – a human rights lawyer – is the newly appointed mayor of Wandsworth as of earlier this year.

Speaking to Wandsworth.gov.uk, she said: ‘I’m proud to be the first Pakistani Muslim mayor. My faith will be an important part of my Mayoral year because I want to change the narrative about being a Muslim in Wandsworth. Yes there are some bad people but that’s not what we are – we are taught to look after each other, support charity and do good.

‘As a mother I want to be a great role model for my children and I want to show young Muslim women that it’s important for us to be out there achieving. I’ve been through hard times in my life, but it’s been about having focus and knowing what my end goal is.

‘This community has always been my home. My year as Deputy Mayor has been amazing and I had a great time bonding with different groups and helping to raise awareness of the many smaller organisations that together do so much for Wandsworth. I’m really looking forward to the coming year.’

She was joined by Mahjabeen Qureshi.

From royalty to A-listers, some of the high-profile faces at the two-week event will have been offered a coveted spot in the Royal Box

Zoe Billingham CBE and Caroline Jones

Zoë Billingham CBE was made Chair of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) and the National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body (NCARRB) in January 2022.

And in March, earlier this year, she was appointed ex-officio member of the SSRB. As of December 2021, she has also been a non-executive member of the SIA.

She has a background in policing, fire and rescue and charity work. She was accompanied by Caroline Jones. 

Jack and Sophie Lefley 

Jack Lefley is the Managing Editor of the Evening Standard. He has spent more than 18 years at the publication, first starting as a reporter in 2006.

He was joined by his wife Sophie. 

Jack was acting editor of the Standard until recently, having took over the role in 2022 from Charlotte Ross. She had followed on from Emily Sheffield – the sister of Samantha Cameron – and George Osbourne.

He was previously the deputy editor and head of news at the paper.

Olga Morozova and Victor Roubanov

After reaching the finals of Wimbledon in 1974, and finishing the tournament in second place, former tennis player Olga Morozova is no stranger to SW19.

The retired athlete, who competed for the Soviet Union, was also the runner-up at the French Open that year.

She took to the Royal Box with her husband, tennis coach Victor Roubanov.

The couple have been credited with spearheading the tennis revolution in Russia in the 1980s, coaching future stars including Elena Dementieva and Anna Kournikova.

The Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally and Revd Alison Hampton

Back in 2018, the now-Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally was installed as the first female Bishop of London.

Her appointment, which was marked with service held at St Paul’s Cathedral, followed legislation adopted by the Church of England in 2014 allowing female bishops.

The role, which the former midwife took over from Dr Richard Chartres who retired in February 2017, is the third most senior in the Church of England.

In 2005, she was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire, which recognised her outstanding contribution to nursing and midwifery.

She was accompanied by the Revd Alison Hampton.

Zadie Smith 

Author Zadie Smith, perhaps best known for her 2000 novel White Teeth which launched her into literary acclaim upon its publication, was among the high-profile guests in the Royal Box

Author Zadie Smith, perhaps best known for her 2000 novel White Teeth which launched her into literary acclaim upon its publication, was among the high-profile guests in the Royal Box.

And she was accompanied by her husband Nick Laird. The couple, who tied the knot in 2004, met at the University of Cambridge.

Like his celebrated wife, Nick Laird, who hails from Northern Ireland, is also a writer, and is known for his novels and poetry.

Sergio Oslé Varona and Itsaso Rodriguez Guinea

Another of today’s Royal Box guests whose profile comes from their work in the entertainment industry was Sergio Oslé Varona.

He is the President of Movistar+, which is Spain’s leading entertainment company, and part of the giant Telefónica Spain.

The highly educated executive has an MBA from the prestigious Stanford University.

He was accompanied by Itsaso Rodriguez Guinea.

Sasha Wiggins

Sasha is chief executive of Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, and she is a member of the Group Executive Committee.

She joined Barclays in 2002 and progressed through the company until she was appointed CEO in 2015 and the Group Chief of Staff in 2018.

She is also Vice Chair of the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s Corporate Partnerships Board and trustee on the Board of Grief Encounter, a national charity supporting bereaved children and young people.

Prior to working at Barclays, Sasha held a role as an Investment Manager at Teather & Greenwood.