It is well documented that the royals have to remain neutral on many topics, including politics. It appears this expectation carries over to sports matches.
Youngsters are not allowed to sit in the Royal Box under any circumstances – a rule that is understood to have frustrated tennis fans in the past.
It was widely reported in 1999 that the Duchess of Kent asked the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club if she could invite a 12-year-old guest to sit with her.
The boy was the son of the Duchess’ late friend, and she wanted to take the give grieving child out on a special day.
Then club chairman John Curry said in a statement: “Because of demand for space in the royal box, we also ask that, apart from children of the royal family, children are not invited as they exclude other worthy people from attending, many of whom contribute to tennis.”