No members of the royal family were in attendance on the first day of Wimbledon, with celebrities instead taking centre stage.
While there were noticeably no company representatives in the royal box, it was already filled with a star-studded cast including athletes, actors and presenters.
Both David Attenborough and David Beckham were in attendance at the opening of today's tennis tournament, and both looked in high spirits as they greeted each other before taking their seats.
Seated directly behind the football legend were singer Katherine Jenkins and “Pointless” host Alexander Armstrong, trading jokes in the booth.
No members of the royal family were in attendance on the first day of Wimbledon, with celebrities instead taking centre stage.GettyTelevision celebrities were also in attendance on the opening day of the popular sporting event, with Alison Hammond, Lorraine Kelly and Myleene Klass among those filming the tournament.
But after a year plagued with problems for the king and his allies, no members of the royal family were in attendance.
The Princess of Wales, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, did not attend, but has attended the event almost every year since 2011 and is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
Wimbledon bosses admitted they “don't know” who will present the trophy at this year's tennis tournament, but will allow “as much flexibility as possible” while Kate continues her treatment.
Royal Updates:
Sir David Attenborough and Debbie Jevans sit in the Royal Box on Centre Court during the first day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the British Tennis and Croquet Club in London.
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All England Club chairman Deborah Jevans said organisers would consider arranging for Kate to return to royal duties “more soon, if necessary” as she battles illness for months.
Jevans told Telegraph Sport: “We hope that as Patron of the club, the Princess of Wales will be able to present the trophy but her health and recovery remains the number one priority.”
Royal expert Emily Andrews speculates that Kate may play at Wimbledon this month.
She wrote in Grazia: “Her treatment is ongoing and will continue for the next few months, but when she feels well she hopes to attend the Wimbledon tennis tournament, of which she is a patron.”
David Beckham sits in the Royal Box on Centre Court during the first day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club in London.
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Katherine Jenkins and Andrew Levitas in the Royal Box on Centre Court during the first day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club in London.
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King Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, did not take a seat at the Royal Booth today. Earlier this year, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the monarch's summer program would be scaled back to allow for a stronger recovery.
He is due to travel halfway around the world to Australia and Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, but a trip to the South Pacific nations of New Zealand and Fiji has reportedly been cancelled as the 75-year-old king continues to undergo treatment for his illness.
Since 1922, the Royal Box, located in the best viewing area on Centre Court, has been used for the entertainment of Wimbledon's friends and guests.
There are 74 reserved seats and invitations will be sent by the Chairman of the All England Club, but suggestions can also be made by members of the Championships Organising Committee and the Lawn Tennis Association.
Wimbledon 2024 kicks off today and will run for a total of 14 days, concluding on July 14.
