It was another VIP-studded afternoon at Wimbledon on Thursday, as Prince Michael of Kent, Bear Grylls and A-lister Rory Kinnear all showed up to enjoy day four of the action.
Lindsey Burrow, the widow of late rugby star Rob Burrow – who passed away from motor neuron disease last year – also made an appearance at the tennis today, along with her brother.
Elsewhere, Dragons’ Den mogul Deborah Meaden was also pictured on day four of the event.
Bringing some showbiz glamour to the best seats in Centre Court, Celia Imrie looked typically chic in a pale pink double-breasted blazer as she took in the tennis action.
The British actress and author is famous for her roles in Bridget Jones, Calendar Girls and Mamma Mia! Here we go again.
The high-profile guests all enjoyed a seat at the coveted Royal Box at SW19 – which in previous days has hosted Princess Beatrice, Olivia Rodrigo and Sir David Beckham.
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.
Today, guests were able to watch Novak Djokovic versus Dan Evans in the men’s singles and Mirra Andreeva up against Lucia Bronzetti in the women’s.
1. Lennard Hoorknik 2.Chris Stark 3. Paul Barber 4. Rory Kinnear 5. Shara Grylls 6. Deborah Jevans 7. Bear Grylls 8. Celia Imrie 9. Adam Kelly 10. Feargal Sharkey 11. Rita El Zaghloul 12. William Hague 13. Deborah Meaden 14. Ffion Hague 15. Rachel Kyte 16. Professor Irene Tracey 17. Tim Phillips 18. Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller 19. Lady Jayne Williams 20. Sir Clive Woodward 21. Betty Stove 22. David Haggerty
1. Lennard Hoorknik 2.Chris Stark 3. Paul Barber 4. Rory Kinnear 5. Shara Grylls 6. Deborah Jevans 7. Bear Grylls 8. Celia Imrie 9. Adam Kelly 10. Feargal Sharkey 11. Rita El Zaghloul 12. William Hague
13. Deborah Meaden 14. Ffion Hague 15. Rachel Kyte 16. Professor Irene Tracey 17. Tim Phillips 18. Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller 19. Lady Jayne Williams 20. Sir Clive Woodward 21. Betty Stove 22. David Haggerty
Lindsey Burrow
The widow of late rugby player Rob Burrow – who last year passed away after a five-year-battle with motor neurone disease – was seen in the royal box with her brother Mark Newton.
Lindsey, 41, became her husband’s carer – after he was paralysed and unable to communicate in the years after his diagnosis; and has detailed the experience in a memoir called ‘Take Care: A Memoir Of Love, Family & Never Giving Up’.
A fan favourite, Rob won eight Super League titles across with Leeds across a 17-year career.
After his health issues, he dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the MND community, receiving support from his old Leeds team-mate Kevin Sinfield.
In February, in a touching interview with The Sun, Linsdey opened up on the family’s journey over the five years from when they first identified something was wrong with his health.
Rob passed away on June 2, 2024, and Lindsey recounted how he had come back to life on May 30 – giving loved ones more precious moments to say goodbye.
‘As I sat in the corner of Rob’s hospital room with Jackson, watching Ghostbusters together on a little DVD player, my husband suddenly started to struggle to breathe,’ she said.
The widow of late rugby player Rob Burrow – who last year passed away after a five-year-battle with motor neurone disease – was seen in the royal box with her brother Mark Newton
‘Doctors and nurses rushed in as his oxygen levels and heart rate took a dive. We expected to lose him, and a consultant advised us to say goodbye. I couldn’t quite believe it.
‘Except, being Rob Burrow, he rallies again, giving us time to make special memories. Two sets of blood tests had been assessed that the doctors said showed Rob had come through something called Lazarus syndrome.
‘I didn’t understand it at first but, then, it sounded miraculous. It occurs when blood circulation returns spontaneously after the heart stops beating. The blood tests told us that, just after lunchtime, Rob had basically come back from the dead.’
That same evening, his friend Kevin Sinfield, who had raised more than £7million for MND charities dropped by to say a heartbreaking goodbye.
‘At Pinderfields, Kev gave Rob a cuddle as he gently ribbed him. Beneath the gentle humour, Kev knew it was time to say goodbye when Rob began to look exhausted.
‘Kev leaned down to kiss Rob on his damp forehead. ‘I love you pal’, he said. Then Kev slowly turned away. He knew he would never see Rob again.’
Prince Michael of Kent
Yesterday, it was his wife that made a sophisticated appearance in the royal box – but today, Prince Michael of Kent, 82, himself was spotted watching the tennis.
In 2022, he and his wife revealed they are to retire from royal life, months after Michael stepped down as patron of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, and handed back an Order of Friendship award, one of Russia’s highest honours
He is the first cousin of the late Queen and the son of George VI brother, Prince George, Duke of Kent – and is a keen tennis fan, often seen at Wimbledon.
In 2022, he and his wife revealed they are to retire from royal life, months after Michael stepped down as patron of the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce, and handed back an Order of Friendship award, one of Russia’s highest honours.
The Queen’s first cousin is a fluent Russian speaker with a lineage to Tsar Nicholas II, was forced to sever his ties to Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
According to the official Royal Family website, Prince Michael is classified as a ‘non-working royal’ and partakes in more than 200 public engagements for the not-for-profit sector, which are funded by his own household, rather than the taxpayer.
Princess Michael, who is nicknamed ‘Princess Pushy’ in some royal circles, is ‘actively involved in around 45 different charities and organisations’, according to the website, ‘including animal and wildlife trusts and health and welfare charities’.
Born in 1942, his first memorable appearance was as a five-year-old as a page boy at the Queen’s wedding to Prince Philip.
While just outside the top 50 for succession to the throne, he is often seen at the side of the Queen at family events.
He has two siblings who he is often seen with, Princess Alexandra and the Duke of Kent.
Yesterday, it was his wife that made a sophisticated appearance in the royal box – but today, Prince Michael of Kent, 82, himself was spotted watching the tennis
1. Lennard Hoorknik
Lennard Hoornik has been the Chief Commercial Officer of British carmaker JLR since 2021. He overseas global sales and marketing for both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands.
2. Chris Stark
Chris Stark, the former CEO of the Climate Change Committee and the Carbon Trust, observed today’s matches with his wife Marianne.
Chris led the Committee’s work to recommend a ‘Net Zero’ target for the UK, the world’s first legislated Net Zero target, according to the University of Cambridge. The sustainability-focused businessman currently heads the UK’s Mission for Clean Power.
3. Paul Barber
Football executive Paul Barber was seen enjoying the tennis this afternoon. He is the chief executive and deputy chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion, but has worked at other clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Paul has also worked with the Football Association, The Football League and The FA Council.
4. Rory Kinnear
A-lister Rory Kinnear, 47, was pictured in the royal box along with his mother – fellow actress Carmel, 75
A-lister Rory Kinnear, 47, was pictured in the royal box along with his mother – fellow actress Carmel, 75.
He is perhaps best known for his performances as MI6 agent Bill Tanner in the James Bond films, as well as roles in Bank of Dave, The Imitation Game.
Rory has also been in television series including The Thick of It, Black Mirror and Our Flag Means Death.
In 2020, Rory revealed that his sister Karina died from the coronavirus pandemic.
In December that year, the actor paid tribute to her on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, calling her ‘an anchor of kindness’.
Karina, 48, had been left severely disabled after suffering a lack of oxygen at birth that caused severe brain damaged, and Rory explained in his tribute that her inspiring approach to life is something he has held onto through his grief.
‘Even the things I never thought I’d miss have become enveloped in a fondness,’ he said. ‘The smell of a hospital, the puffy hum of a nebuliser, the soft mechanical burr of a hoist.’
‘And I have realised the privilege of growing up with these things as a norm, as an anchor. Because Karina required kindness to live and such was her spirit, her sense of humour, gentle strength, her vibrant passion to live.’
Actor Rory Kinnear watches from the royal box during the Gentlemen’s Singles second round match
‘What she was given, she returned with interest. A transaction of effort and reward. I was fortunate to witness so often. That anchor of kindness has been what many of us have held onto in this year of loss, restriction and renewal. Even more so when we have felt its absence.’
Rory went on to say that he’s seen that anchor of kindness in so many places in 2020, explaining: ‘We’ve seen it in the courage of our country’s medical and care staff, in the movements towards greater racial equality, in the campaigns to feed children in poverty.’
‘Acts of kindness and courage from people who understand that those who need help are not obstacles or drains on our pity or resources. They are repositories of as much knowledge and light as anyone else.’
Rory ended his emotional tribute with the words: ‘Karina was sunshine. She just required you to engage, to pull back the curtains to see it. An act that rewarded far more than it asked. For her, for all she taught me and revealed, it’s the anchor of kindness I hope to hold onto tightest for the rest of my life.’
5 & 7. Bear and Shara Grylls
British adventurer Bear Grylls swapped treacherous and remote conditions for the comfort of the Royal Box today.
Grylls, 51, is an Eton College alumnus – the same school attended by Prince William and Prince Harry. However, being eight years older than William, Bear did not share classes with either of the princes.
Despite this, Grylls is said to be close friends with the Prince of Wales and has collaborated with him and the Duke of Sussex on various wildlife conservation projects throughout the years.
British adventurer Bear Grylls swapped treacherous and remote conditions for the comfort of the Royal Box today
Grylls, 51, is an Eton College alumnus – the same school attended by Prince William and Prince Harry. However, being eight years older than William, Bear did not share classes with either of the princes
Despite this, Grylls is said to be close friends with the Prince of Wales and has collaborated with him and the Duke of Sussex on various wildlife conservation projects throughout the years
The pair tied the knot in 2000 after a whirlwind romance, having known each other for about two years
He sat alongside his author wife, Shara Grylls, 51, with whom he shares three children. Pictured today
He sat alongside his author wife, Shara Grylls, 51, with whom he shares three children.
The pair tied the knot in 2000 after a whirlwind romance, having known each other for about two years.
The adventurer has previously revealed he and Shara entered marriage counselling at the beginning of their union as a preventative measure to guide them through married life.
Shara has written two books since the marriage, the first of which – Marriage Matters – was released in 2009.
6. Deborah Jevans
Deborah Jevans, 65, is a former England tennis star who played in 10 Grand Slam competitions between 1979 and 1983.
She is married to Andrew Jarrett, a former tennis player and Wimbledon referee, with whom she played mixed doubles at Wimbledon in 1978, reaching the quarter finals.
Deborah became Vice-Chair of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in July 2023. She was appointed CBE in 2013 for services to sport and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
8. Celia Imrie
Typically chic in a pale pink double-breasted blazer, Celia Imrie is a British actress and author famous for her roles in Bridget Jones, Calendar Girls and Mamma Mia! Here we go again
Typically chic in a pale pink double-breasted blazer, Celia Imrie is a British actress and author famous for her roles in Bridget Jones, Calendar Girls and Mamma Mia! Here we go again.
Celia, 72, has starred in the Netflix series The Diplomat since 2023 and has also worked in theatre.
She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2023 for services to drama.
In 2006, Celia won an Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Acorn Antiques: The Musical!
9. Adam Kelly
Adam Kelly is the President of global sports, events and media firm IMG. Having arrived at the company 24 years ago as a recent graduate keen to work in the sports industry, Adam rose the ranks to the highest position.
10. Feargal Sharkey
Northern Irish singer Feargal Sharkey, who fronted punk band The Undertones in the 1970s and 1980s, attended with his wife, Elizabeth.
Sharkey went on to have a career as a solo artist and is best known for his 1985 number one single ‘A Good Heart’
He is an outspoken environmentalist who has campaigned widely to prevent untreated sewage from being dumped into UK waterways
Sharkey went on to have a career as a solo artist and is best known for his 1985 number one single ‘A Good Heart’.
He is an outspoken environmentalist who has campaigned widely to prevent untreated sewage from being dumped into UK waterways.
In 2019, the 66-year-old esteemed vocalist was appointed OBE for his service to the music industry.
11. Rita El Zaghloul
Rita El Zaghloul is a former winner of Prince William’s prestigious Earthshot Prize, which is dedicated to supporting those working on solutions for urgent environmental issues.
Rita, who is based in Washington, D.C., is currently Director of the High Ambition Coalition for Nature & People and has previously held roles at the United Nations.
12 & 14. The Lord and Dame Hague of Richmond
The titles Lord Hague of Richmond and Dame Hague of Richmond refer to William Hague and wife Ffion Hague.
Now a life peer in the House of Lords, William, 64, was Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition from 1997 to 2001
Now a life peer in the House of Lords, William, 64, was Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition from 1997 to 2001.
More recently, he held high level roles in the Conservative Party under David Cameron.
William served as Foreign Secretary from 2010 to 2014 and was Leader of the House of Commons from 2014 to 2015.
He was appointed Chancellor of the University of Oxford, where he studied for his undergraduate degree, in February 2025.
Ffion, 57, is a Welsh author and broadcaster, and a former civil servant. She is well known for her biography of David Lloyd George, who was the UK Prime Minister from 1916 to 1922.
Ffion has presented a number of television programmes as well as shows for BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 4.
13. Deborah Meaden
Deborah Meaden looked glamorous as she joined fellow tennis fans in Wimbledon’s Royal Box today.
Deborah Meaden looked glamorous as she joined fellow tennis fans in Wimbledon’s Royal Box today
The 66-year-old businesswoman, who previously ran a successful holiday business, is best known for her appearances as a Dragon on BBC ‘s Dragons’ Den
The 66-year-old businesswoman, who previously ran a successful holiday business, is best known for her appearances as a Dragon on BBC‘s Dragons’ Den.
The TV personality, who is married to husband Paul Farmer, has been starring on the BBC show since its third series in 2006.
15. Rachel Kyte
Rachel Kyte, the UK special representative for climate, was also in attendance on Thursday.
She is also the Professor of Practice in Climate Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford and is a dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, her government website explains.
Kyte currently supports Ministers in finding ways to increase engagement on climate and clean energy.
She is also the Professor of Practice in Climate Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford and is a dean of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, her government website explains
16. Irene Tracey
Professor Irene Tracey is the current vice-chancellor of Oxford University, where she previously studied biochemistry.
Her more than two decades of research has focused on pain perception and pain relief.
In Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s final New Years Honours List in 2022, she was appointed to Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to medical research.
17. Tim Phillips
Member of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Tim Phillips, was among the celebrities in the Royal Box on Thursday.
Tim, a regular Wimbledon attendee, previously chaired the club for eleven years from 1999 to 2010.
Tim, a Harvard Business School Honorary Fellow, was awarded a CBE in 2007 for his services to tennis.
18. Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller
The former Chair of the Conduct Committee and Former Director General of the MI5, Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller, also observed the tennis from the Royal Box on Thursday.
University of Oxford-educated Eliza, 76, previously worked as a teacher for three years before joining MI5.
Her work’s focus was counterterrorism, both internationally and domestically, according to the MI5’s website.
19 & 20. Sir Clive and Lady Woodward
The 69-year-old coached England’s rugby team from 1997 to 2004 and led them to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Pictured with wife Jane
Former England rugby union player and coach, Sir Clive Woodward, watched the live sporting event from the Royal Box on Thursday alongside his wife, Lady Jayne Williams.
The 69-year-old coached England’s rugby team from 1997 to 2004 and led them to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
He was knighted in the 2004 New Year Honours for his services to rugby union, given that his leadership skills led England’s team to claim the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
21. Betty Stove
Former Dutch tennis player Betty Stove joined the famous faces in the Royal Box today.
The 80-year-old is no stranger to the game, and in 1977, she reached the ladies’ singles final, the ladies’ doubles final and the mixed doubles final during the same year.
Stove, from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, lost the title in the 1997 final to Britain’s Virginia Wade.
22. David 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!
