Meghan Markle criticised for ‘breaking’ Wimbledon dress code - here’s why she didn’t
The Duchess of Sussex attended day four of Wimbledon 2019 on Thursday in a smart-casual ensemble.
Meghan, 37, supported her friend Serena Williams as she played against Kaja Juvan in the second round match.
The new mum wore a striped L’Agence blazer with a simple black T-shirt and blue jeans, but social media users were questioning whether she is allowed to wear denim at the tennis tournament.
@BBCSport @Wimbledon so, gentleman have to wear jackets and ties in the royal box and Meghan rocks up in jeans. What’s that all about???
— Glenys Blower (@GlenysBlower) July 4, 2019
@Wimbledon sorry for the post but I have to ask why Meghan Markle was allowed into the royal box in “JEANS” when other people have been refused just for not wearing a tie???? Double standards
— lesley prytherch (@lesleyprytherch) July 4, 2019
Nice to see Meghan out today supporting her good friend! Are jeans and hats allowed sitting court side at Wimbledon? Dress code? I like Meghan’s look today but a bit too casual for Wimbledon.
— Linda Rossi (@LRos123) July 4, 2019
Firstly, Meghan wasn’t sitting in the Royal Box as Serena’s match took place on court one, not centre court where the royals usually sit.
She sat among the crowd with two of her university friends Lyndsay Roth and Genevieve Hillis.
![Meghan wore jeans to Wimbledon to support Serena Williams. [Photo: PA]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/UjklEMaN3PaI4rhiO6KgVA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY5NA--/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2019-07/6a09c150-9f13-11e9-af5b-bb53943a0a28)
Secondly, there is no official dress code for Wimbledon. Unlike Ascot, the rules for spectators are relaxed, unless you’re lucky enough to to be in the Royal Box.
Wimbledon’s website states that the protocol for the Royal Box is “dress is smart, suits/jacket and tie, etc. Ladies are asked not to wear hats, as they tend to obscure the vision of those seated behind them.”
READ MORE: Meghan Markle's subtle tribute to baby Archie in Wimbledon outfit
That’s why when Meghan attended with her sister-in-law Kate last year, she wasn’t able to wear her hat on her head.
The Duchess of Cambridge surprised fans on Tuesday by arriving at the tennis tournament early to watch a match between British player Harriet Dart and American Christina McHale in the ‘normal seats’ on court 14.
She later made her way to centre court for Roger Federer and Lloyd Harris’ match.
READ MORE: Serena Williams isn't going to baby Archie's christening
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor will be christened in a Private Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday 6 July.
While the couple will release official photos, the names of the baby’s godparents will not be revealed.
Serena Williams was highly tipped to be Archie’s godmother but she said she isn’t going to the christening, due to work commitments.
