A photograph of Roger Federer apparently sitting alone in Wimbledon's royal box prompted questions about both empty seats at the tournament and how celebrities come to be invited to the exclusive VIP area. The BBC's "Ask Me Anything" team explained that the 74-seat royal box, first installed in the southern stand of Centre Court when the grounds opened in 1922, has hosted famous faces from sport, entertainment, royalty and politics on every day of the Championships since.

Invitations are issued by the chairperson of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) — a role held since 2023 by former professional Debbie Jevans — who draws on suggestions from the AELTC's management committee, the Lawn Tennis Association and other tennis bodies. Guests do not queue or pay for entry, and are treated to lunch beforehand plus tea and drinks afterwards in the adjacent clubhouse. Alongside household names such as Sir David Beckham and Sir David Attenborough, those in the dark green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs can include commercial partners, dignitaries, media professionals and heads of state, with a full guest list published each day.