Wimbledon players used to bow to the Royal Box, until 2003 changed that

For decades, players entering Centre Court at Wimbledon would bow or curtsy toward the Royal Box before beginning their matches, a custom that reflected the tournament’s close relationship with the British monarchy. The tradition remained part of Wimbledon until 2003.

The practice ended after Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, who served as the tournament’s royal patron, felt it no longer reflected modern Britain. ‘The Duke of Kent feels that during his lifetime the tradition of bowing and curtseying is pretty much on the way out,’ then All England Club chairman Tim Phillips explained at the time. ‘To do it very publicly on the centre court at Wimbledon doesn’t seem right therefore.’

There have been rare exceptions since. When Queen Elizabeth II attended Wimbledon in 2010, Andy Murray chose to bow before his match, later describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity while admitting the gesture felt ‘a bit awkward.’ Nine-time champion Martina Navratilova later said she had grown fond of the old ritual: ‘When I got the hang of it, I came to quite enjoy it. I liked that part. The players walking on the court, curtsying in unison.’

The Royal Box itself, built in 1922 alongside the current Centre Court, holds just 74 dark green wicker chairs and remains one of the most exclusive seats in world sport. Unlike luxury hospitality elsewhere, it cannot be purchased through any premium package, and every seat is allocated purely through invitation.

Image: Wikimedia Commons/by GATORFAN2525