Among those sitting in the Royal Box at the Wimbledon men’s finals today will be none other than King Felipe of Spain, there to cheer on Carlos Alcaraz in his quest for a third Wimbledon title in a row.
Also at the men’s championships this afternoon include Kate Middleton, the royal patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, and her husband, Prince William, and their children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George. Actors Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley, and John Lithgow were also seated in the Royal Box for the match.
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King Felipe waves to the crowds as he arrives.
King Felipe was last at the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the Wimbledon finals in 2023, when Alcaraz won his first title there. “It’s special to play in front of royalty,” the Spanish tennis player said in his victory speech that year. “King Felipe, I am really proud that you are here supporting me. When I played in front of you twice, twice I won — I hope you are coming more! It is really special, and I have to thank you for coming and supporting!” (Felipe previously watched Alcaraz win in the Madrid Open in 2022.)
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Alcaraz lifts the trophy as King Felipe applauds from the Royal Box in 2023.
In addition, King Felipe hosted Alcaraz at Zarzuela Palace after Alcaraz won the 2022 U.S. Open.
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Alcaraz looks over at the Spanish king in September 2022.
“It’s pretty amazing to get the call from the Spanish king,” Alcaraz said after winning the Miami Open in 2022. “I was more nervous [for] that call than the match.” He added, “It’s pretty amazing that the Spanish king congratulates you on the hard work that you put in every day and your win. It’s something that you never thought you were going to receive.”
Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, celebrities, the royals, and a wide range of other topics. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma, a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram.