It was a sweltering day in Wimbledon, with temperatures soaring to 31C as Centre Court played host to the gripping men’s singles semi-finals on day twelve of the Championships.
On Centre Court, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz of Spain secured his place in a third consecutive final after a thrilling match against US player Taylor Fritz.
Meanwhile, fans eagerly awaited the clash between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. But the action wasn’t limited to the grass, and all eyes turned to the Royal Box, where a glittering line-up of stars took in the spectacle.
Brit actor Benedict Cumberbatch, 48, cut a striking figure in a deep blue suit and rocked a retro mullet, seated next to his elegant wife, Sophie Hunter.
Nearby, Dame Anna Wintour, 75, exuded fashion authority in a crisp white floral blouse and a statement gemstone necklace, sharing laughs with fellow style titan Tom Ford, 63.
In a who’s who of British high society and Hollywood glamour, Oscar-winner Rami Malek, 44, also embraced the heat in a sand-hued summer suit, while Princess Michael of Kent, 80, and The Duchess of Gloucester, 79, brought up the royal end.
Spectators kept cool with alcohol-free Pimm’s, a newly created mocktail version of the tournament’s classic tipple – though even Wimbledon’s own expert admitted the booze-free alternative isn’t quite there yet.
1. The Duchess of Gloucester 2. Princess Michael of Kent 3. Jemima Khan Goldsmith 4. Lady Annabel Goldsmith 5. Bjorn Borg 6. Benedict Cumberbatch 7. Rami Malek 8. James Norton 9. Dame Elaine Paige 10. Sachin Tendulkar 11. Dame Anna Wintour 12. Tom Ford
1. HRH The Duchess of Gloucester
The Danish-born duchess, Birgitte, is pictured smiling as she attends day 12 of the tennis championships
Looking elegant in the Royal Box was Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, one of the lesser-known but steadfast members of the British royal family.
The Danish-born duchess, 79, is married to the Queen’s cousin, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, and has quietly carried out royal duties for decades.
Known for her understated dignity, she has been a patron of more than 60 charities, many with medical, educational or musical ties.
A devoted supporter of the arts, the Duchess is also a trained classical musician and once studied at the Royal Academy of Music.
2. HRH Princess Michael of Kent
Nicknamed ‘Princess Pushy’ by the papers, Princess Michael of Kent, 80, dons striking sunglasses and a chunky scrunchie for today’s play
Also enjoying the tennis action was Princess Michael of Kent, 80, a glamorous and occasionally controversial member of the royal fold.
The wife of Prince Michael of Kent, she has made headlines over the years for her candid comments and aristocratic flair – earning her the nickname ‘Princess Pushy’ in the papers.
Born Baroness Marie-Christine von Reibnitz, the princess is an author and historian by trade, with several books to her name on European royalty.
Despite stepping back from official duties, she remains a striking presence at major events.
3. Jemima Khan Goldsmith
Glamourous creative and philanthropist Jemima Khan Goldsmith, 51, looks poised as she sits next to her mother
A familiar face from both political and red carpet circles, Jemima Khan, 51, brought a touch of screen glamour to the Royal Box.
The screenwriter, producer and philanthropist – once married to Pakistani cricket legend and former Prime Minister Imran Khan – has forged a high-profile media career of her own.
Most recently, she wrote and produced What’s Love Got to Do with It?, a romantic comedy inspired by her own cross-cultural experiences.
4. Lady Annabel Goldsmith
Socialite and matriarch Lady Annabel Goldsmith, 91, joins her daughter Jemima in the royal box
Sitting proudly beside her daughter was Lady Annabel Goldsmith, 91, the grand dame of one of Britain’s most colourful families.
A renowned society hostess, she was the original inspiration behind the legendary Mayfair nightclub Annabel’s, opened by her first husband Mark Birley in the 1960s.
The club became synonymous with debauchery, royalty and rock stars, while Lady Annabel herself remained ever composed.
Now in her tenth decade, she continues to charm with her elegant bearing, and remains the matriarch of the high-profile Goldsmith clan.
5. Bjorn Borg
Former tennis player Bjorn Borg looks keenly on as he sits in the Royal Box on Centre Court at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships
Centre Court royalty of a different kind, tennis legend Bjorn Borg, 69, was spotted in the Royal Box, and few in the crowd could match his legacy on the court.
The Swedish star was a global icon in the 1970s and early ’80s, dominating Wimbledon with five consecutive titles between 1976 and 1980.
Known for his cool demeanour and flowing blond hair, Borg was as much a heartthrob as a sportsman.
After a dramatic retirement at just 26, he’s returned to tennis in recent years as a captain in the Laver Cup, earning him enduring admiration from fans.
6. Benedict Cumberbatch
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife Sophie Hunter talk animatedly on day 12 of the games
Representing the best of British acting talent was Benedict Cumberbatch, 48, who took in the tennis with his wife, theatre director Sophie Hunter.
The Sherlock and Doctor Strange star has become a household name thanks to his distinctive voice, piercing stare and knack for playing brilliant geniuses.
He won acclaim, and an Oscar nomination, for his portrayal of Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, and continues to juggle Hollywood blockbusters with more serious stage and screen work.
Polished and low-key, Cumberbatch has long been a favourite with Wimbledon crowds.
7. Rami Malek
Oscar winner Rami Malek wore a sleek cool-toned summer suit as he watched from the royal box
Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek has portrayed a huge range of characters on-screen, including as Freddie Mercury in the 2018 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody and computer hacker Elliot Alderson in USA Network TV series Mr Robot.
Rami, 44, was born in Torrance, California, to Egyptian immigrant parents and grew up right next to Hollywood, although he said he had no idea as a child.
He previously told The New York Times that he thought Hollywood was ‘a million miles away, and it’s just a 10-minute drive’.
He boasts a number of nominations and has won several major industry awards, including an Academy Award for Best actor – which made him the first actor of Egyptian heritage to do so – a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama, the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor, and the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
He previously dated actress Lucy Boynton from 2017 to 2023, and more recently, was romantically linked to The Crown star Emma Corrin. However, he and Emma reportedly ended their relationship this year after two years together.
8. James Norton
Renowned London-born actor James Norton looked dapper in a checked suit and light pink shirt
Best known for his roles in Happy Valley, Granchester, War & Peace, and Mr Jones in the 2019 film of the same name, James Norton was born in Lambeth, London, to his teacher parents, Hugh Biddulph Norton and Lavinia Jane Norman.
He was brought up in Malton, North Yorkshire, and described his childhood in the Howardian Hills as ‘idyllic’. James’ first acting role was alongside Carey Mulligan in the 2009 film An Education.
He has gone on to star in a number of films and TV series, many of them dramas, and was nominated for the British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2015 for his role as Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley.
James is thought to be dating Lily Allen after the pair were seen on an apparent first date at Lido Festival in London last month. He was previously engaged to Imogen Poots, but they split in 2023.
9. Dame Elaine Paige
Singer and actress Dame Elaine Paige, 77, opted for a light summer frock for today’s games
Dame Elaine Page is a British singer and actress who made her name in musical theatre; specifically in the role of Eva Perón in Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Evita.
During her illustrious theatre career, Elaine has been nominated for five Olivier Awards, winning the gong once for Evita.
Born and raised in Barnet, the now 77-year-old star has been in several musicals; though she previously admitted she rarely enjoys such theatre productions as a spectator.
In 1995 she was awarded an OBE, before receiving a damehood this year in the King’s Birthday Honours.
Paige has never married nor had children; however she was in a long term relationship with songwriter Tim Rice for 11 years during the 1980s.
10. Sachin Tendulkar
Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar, affectionately known as the Little Master, was seated in the royal box today
Sachin Tendulkar is the former captain of the Indian national cricket team; and widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever.
Now 52, the sporting icon is affectionately known as the ‘Little Master’ – but his list of achievements is anything but small.
With over 34,000 international runs to his name, Tendulkar is the only cricketer to score 100 international centuries and was the first to register a double hundred in a one-day international.
Since retiring from cricket, he’s become a global ambassador for the sport, as well as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, and remains one of India’s most beloved and revered public figures.
11. Dame Anna Wintour
Fashion legend Dame Anna Wintour arrived with her signature bold bob and dark sunglasses
Fashion royalty met actual royalty in the Royal Box, thanks to the presence of Dame Anna Wintour, 75, the legendary Editor-in-Chief of Vogue.
Known for her iconic bob and ever-present sunglasses, Dame Anna has reigned over the fashion world for decades and remains one of its most influential tastemakers.
A fixture on the front row and behind some of the industry’s biggest decisions, she has been at the helm of Vogue since 1988 and now serves as Chief Content Officer at Condé Nast.
Off the runway, she is a devoted tennis fan and rarely misses a Wimbledon season.
12. Tom Ford
Designer Tom Ford, 63, looked pensively on before the men’s singles match between Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Taylor Fritz of the US
Seated among the well-heeled elite was Tom Ford, 63, the celebrated American designer, filmmaker and style mogul.
Once the creative force behind Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, Ford built his own eponymous label into a global powerhouse, known for its sleek tailoring and modern masculinity.
Beyond fashion, he’s also made waves in Hollywood, directing critically acclaimed films including A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals.
